'They know it' - Newcastle United £121m attacking message after striker ruled out for three matches
Matthias Jaissle has sent a message to Newcastle United’s strikers after an underwhelming start to the season in front of goal.
Newcastle United have £121million worth of so-called strikers at their disposal, yet none have been able to come close to filling the gap left by Alexander Isak’s £130million departure to Liverpool last summer.
Yoane Wissa has scored just two Premier League goals for the club since his £55million move from Brentford on the same day Isak left. William Osula has looked bright at times and contributed eight league goals since the start of last season while £51million deadline day arrival Matias Fernandez-Pardo is yet to score or convince in a central striker role.
The 21-year-old Belgian has missed the last three matches due to illness but is closing in on a return. He will be subject to a late fitness test ahead of the trip to Fulham on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
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“He got really a heavy virus so he was out for more than two weeks and it had a big impact,” Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle said. “Now he's progressing, he's training with us again and now we need to see against Fulham how is he then really in a physical state.”
The Newcastle boss was also asked about the lack of goals from his forwards so far this season with the trio scoring just two goals between them in the opening 12 matches in all competitions. Meanwhile, Nick Woltemade has scored three goals while out on loan at Juventus and 19-year-old Sean Neave scored a brace for Wolverhampton Wanderers after joining them on loan from Newcastle.
“I think they know it themselves,” Jaissle responded about his striker situation at Newcastle.
“I don't need to even mention a striker needs to be always aware of every situation in the game. When there's anything just coming in the penalty area or in the box then, I need to be there as a striker.
“I need to have that nose, that feeling and everything. Or if something is dropping for a second ball or there's a cross possible, I'm there. And they know it, they work hard on that, they work hard on the finishes, and we can be for sure more efficient and hopefully in the future we see their progress.”
Jaissle has pointed to Newcastle’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal as a contributing factor to the side’s recent poor form as they look to bounce back with a win at Craven Cottage on Saturday.