The German head coach has won plenty of admirers since taking over from Eddie Howe over the summer
Newcastle United Head Coach Matthias Jaissle
Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has a condfidence and 'aura' about him that bodes well for the future - but Magpies fans have been warned they could be in for a strange season.
The German had the difficult task of replacing Eddie Howe in the St James' Park hotseat, but has so far risen to the challenge despite a summer transfer window which saw the focus placed firmly on potential rather than established talent.
United have only lost once in their opening seven games, and went into the international break in ninth spot in the Premier League table, with two wins and two draws under their belts, and a place booked in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
There is plenty to improve, but Jaissle has spoken of the need for time for his young side to gel and develop, with many of them playing in the Premier League for the first time.
Former Newcastle midfielder Jeff Hendrick admits he would love to play under Jaissle, and has been impressed by the German's confidence.
"Despite that result against Leeds, Matthias Jaissle looks confident," he told Andy's Bet Club. "He's got a bit of an aura about him, I suppose.
"He came in and was probably a little bit unknown. But with his background, I've worked with Danny Röhl and I know sort of the way they want to play, it's high tempo, it's pressing, it's front foot.
"He's proving to people that they're going to be okay. I would really love to play for him, I think, with the way he likes his teams to set-up.
"But then there's one thing I keep looking at, they seem to be just coming back in games. So they're relying on that energy, breaking, getting the goals, and helping them get points on the board, but I'd like to see them take the lead a little bit more."
That's not to say it will all be plain sailing this season, with many expecting bumps in the road that are often inevitable with a young side.
"I think it's going to be a bit of a crazy year with the turnaround in managers and players," Hendrick added.
Article continues below
"A lot of players normally go abroad, but there seems to be a lot of swapping in the Premier League, so there's going to be inconsistencies in performances and results.
"I think we've seen that with teams coming up and surprising people. I think for a club like Newcastle, I know this is a big turnaround and a brand new project with a lot of young players, but you want to be looking at that top half and trying to get those European spots."