Newcastle United £51million summer signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo missed a big chance during the 4-1 defeat to Coventry City.
Matthias Jaissle has backed Matias Fernandez-Pardo after his £51million summer signing missed a golden chance during Newcastle United’s 4-1 defeat at Coventry City.
The 21-year-old had the opportunity to equalise for the Magpies at the end of the first half when he rounded goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, however, his shot was blocked by Bobby Thomas.
It was a costly miss as Sidiki Cherif doubled Coventry’s lead shortly after half-time. Sven Botman pulled one back with 20 minutes remaining but the game got away from United with two late goals from Ellis Simms and Stephen Mfuni.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo of Newcastle United runs with the ball under pressure from Bobby Thomas of Coventry City during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Coventry City and Newcastle United at The Coventry Building Society Arena on October 12, 2026 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)placeholder image
Matias Fernandez-Pardo of Newcastle United runs with the ball under pressure from Bobby Thomas of Coventry City during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Coventry City and Newcastle United at The Coventry Building Society Arena on October 12, 2026 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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Matthias Jaissle backs Matias Fernandez-Pardo
Fernandez-Pardo has made five appearances since joining from Lille but is yet to open his account in black and white.
“For sure, that helps for a striker,” Jaissle said when asked if the Belgian was in need of a goal to boost his confidence. “This was a tipping point. If you're clean enough, or are sharp enough to score these opportunities, then the story of that game is for sure different.
“And this is something we need to be aware. We are frustrated. We will be clear with the players, especially in both boxes, on how to improve. And then we need to step up.”
Fernandez-Pardo was a substitute in his opening two matches but has started the last three games as the central striker. His struggles in front of goal have raised questions over his best position, but Jaissle has backed the player.
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“I said that he's a young lad. He can play multiple positions up front,” Jaissle said. “I think the goal is missing now. He created the chances. He had many offers, many deep runs, good running ways where we can find him even more often.
“The goal is missing, definitely. But it's a young lad. We trust him. We support him. No doubt.”
Speaking last week, Jaissle said: “He has everything to be a top striker. We should not just see and describe him as a player who presses the opposition at maximum speed. In possession, he's running a lot of times behind.
“He also has different elements that we can use even as a link-up player. So he's doing brilliant there, he's technically gifted, he can play on the wing so it's difficult to catch, and this is something I'm 100% sure that he will have a bright future with us.”