Matthias Jaissle made his feelings clear after Newcastle United lost heavily at Elland Road.

Malick Thiaw has revealed that Matthias Jaissle “spoke straight” and told his Newcastle United players that they “must do better” after losing 4-1 to Leeds United.

A limp Toon outfit suffered a heavy first defeat of the Premier League campaign at Elland Road. Leeds led 3-0 at half-time and took their foot off the gas in the closing stages to gift Newcastle a late consolation.

For many supporters, this setback was a realisation that there will be bumps in the road during the season ahead. A youthful Newcastle side were outfought and outplayed to deliver Jaissle and Co a brutal wake-up call.

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Malick Thiaw fronts up

Fronting up to reporters post-match, Thiaw - who wore the armband - opened up about Jaissle telling the players exactly how he felt in the dressing room. He said: “He spoke straight to us. I think that's the way he is. He speaks straight to us, to the players, what we have to do better. Everybody included.

“We're in the same boat. But we have to do better. These kinds of nights, sometimes it's not good, but it brings us back to reality. The quality we have is good, but it's not enough just about the quality. We still have to bring the energy.

“He told us, but also it's about how we deal with these kinds of nights. I think there are two options. You speak everything bad and into the next game with a bad feeling, or you speak about the bad things that happened.

“But you don't forget the quality you have or the things you did already. I look forward to the next game (against Hull City) with the wisdom that we have to do better than we did today or even the first half against Bournemouth).”

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Malick Thiaw makes Newcastle United admission

Thiaw also suggested that Newcastle must fight harder than the “top, top, top teams” in the Premier League. He added: “I don't think we are on a level right now like the top, top, top teams, which can sometimes do less. I think we always have to be on our top (game).

“The main thing about the duels (is) that we win the duels and be better with the ball as well. The coach gave us a good match plan, but we didn't really play it well. The manager said that with the young squad there's going to be some ups and downs this season.”

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