Matthias Jaissle given ‘reality check’ as former Newcastle United manager does not hold back
Matthias Jaissle is only the fourth Newcastle United manager to be born overseas.
Ruud Gullit has challenged Matthias Jaissle to restore the belief back to St James’ Park after a turbulent summer window.
The German arrived a fortnight ago as only Newcastle United’s fourth foreign-born manager. Ossie Ardiles broke the mould 35 years ago, with Gullit following suit to succeed Kenny Dalglish in 1998.
Newcastle would wait 17 years until appointing another overseas coach when Rafa Benitez arrived. Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe followed the Spaniard before Jaissle was given the reins earlier this month.
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‘I feel for Newcastle United’ - Ruud Gullit
His three foreign predecessors all inherited a turbulent situation at St James’ Park. In truth, the news cycle is rarely quiet on Tyneside and Jaissle has likely learned that in recent days.
The 38-year-old is aiming to re-energise a raided squad that has lost its three best players. Speaking to The Gazette via NY Sports Day, Gullit sympathised with Newcastle’s fans while outlining Jaissle’s biggest test.
“I feel for Newcastle and their supporters,” he said. “Eddie Howe did an incredible job restoring pride, delivering a trophy, and qualifying for the Champions League – exactly what that fanbase deserved. But the grand narrative of the owners signing the world's elite players hasn't materialised, key players have departed, and there's widespread uncertainty surrounding the club's direction.
“Because of the summer that Newcastle have had, the biggest challenge will be getting that belief back into the fans, the city. I think they have had a reality check, and it’s the fans of the club who I have the greatest sympathy with.”
Ruud Gullit makes Newcastle United prediction
Gullit also predicted a “difficult” campaign for the Magpies. It is now up to Jaissle and his staff to prove the doubters wrong.
“There are constant rumours about whether the owners want to re-evaluate their investment and key figures involved in the original takeover are looking elsewhere,” Gullit added. “The fans and players are left wondering what the actual long-term plan is.
It depends on whether you're given the backing and resources to replace the players you’ve sold. If you're forced to sell without the capacity to rebuild, that's a completely different situation. You must have the tools to recruit quality replacements.
“Perhaps Eddie knew he wouldn’t be able to replace those big players with top names and that was part of the reason why he decided to resign. Newcastle are going to be in for a really difficult season. They’ve recruited a lot of young players without Premier League experience while losing their best players. It’s going to be tough for them and the manager.”
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