Matthias Jaissle reveals classy Newcastle United gesture after 'special' St James' Park moment
Matthias Jaissle provided some insight into his footballing philosophy at Newcastle United.
Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has hailed Wor Flags for a ‘special’ gesture of support during his opening weeks in charge.
The German has got his spell at Newcastle off to an encouraging start with just one defeat in his opening seven competitive matches.
Jaissle has also quickly warmed himself to the Newcastle supporters at St James’ Park with his passion and energy on the touchline. Wor Flags unveiled a banner reading ‘Matty Jaissle’s black and white army’ in the 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth last month.
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“You can imagine that gives me a great feeling, and I appreciate that a lot,” Jaissle admitted.
"I had the chance to invite those guys to the training ground to say thanks aftewards. I thought it was a special thing to do after such a short amount of time."
During the international break, Jaissle invited members of the local media to the training ground to provide further insight into his coaching philosophy.
Jaissle was identified as Ross Wilson’s first choice to succeed Eddie Howe as head coach due to his style of play.
"In the ideal world there is not too much difference, that's also the reason why I am here and why the club signed me,” Jaissle explained.
"The club is striving for a clear identity and, fortunately, a playing style, independent of who the coach is in the past years. Therefore I think it is a great fit for me.
"What I mentioned, it is the same approach, that is the good part because the players were already here who fit into that style.
"In the summer we made a couple of adjustments, although we signed younger players, but that is exciting."
Newcastle’s young squad are still adapting to their new head coach and, for some, Premier League football for the first time. The likes of 18-year-old Sean Steur has already caught the eye with some impressive displays since his £23million move from Ajax.
But Jaissle’s side have been somewhat unpredictable on the pitch, despite positive results on the whole. The Magpies boss is well aware of his side’s low expected goals and unforced errors statistics.
So far, his side have scored 13 and conceded 11 in seven matches.
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And when asked about the balance of playing pragmatic football and entertaining football that excites supporters - a criticism aimed at the late, great Kevin Keegan during his time at the club, Jaissle added: "Of course that is the challenge.
"I had questions like this at Salzburg, because the playing style doesn't change really. As a coach, you have a clear identity and clear principles, and I used to say a 4-3 win was nice, it is entertaining for the fans, for you guys in the media, but for the coach, not necessarily so. Of course, you want to score a lot of goals.
"In the best scenario you want a clean sheet. Is that always realistic? No, but of course you have the perfect picture and perfect game in your mind. You try to be at least as close as possible in your mind."