5 priorities for new Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle

Eddie Howe’s time as Newcastle United head coach officially came to an end with the release of an official club statement on Friday afternoon.

The now-former Magpies boss has already secured his place in the club’s history books with two Champions League qualifications and bringing an end to a painfully long wait for major domestic silverware with the Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool. Howe will go with the thanks, appreciation and gratitude of Magpies supporters after playing a leading role in a transformation of fortunes at St James' Park. There is sadness that the former Bournemouth manager has not bowed out on the back of a positive season or amid valid questions over his style of play, teams selections and if he can take the club to higher heights.

Although there is room for sentiment in such a parting of ways, there should also be an understanding that football moves on - and Newcastle appear to be well down the road in that aspect with Al-Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle close to being named as Howe’s successor before linking up with his new players during a training camp in Spain this week.

But what are the priorities for the new man in charge at St James Park?

Rediscover Newcastle’s identity

There was once a time, not so long ago, that Newcastle were seen as one of the most fierce and aggressive teams in the Premier League. An awkward, intimidating outfit that bloodied the noses of the elite as they looked to force their way into contention for major honours on a regular basis. Joelinton snarled, Bruno Guimaraes niggled, Sandro Tonali hassled and harried and Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier got in opposition faces as Eddie Howe’s side stayed true to their well-known mantra of ‘intensity is our identity’.

Yet since the historic Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool, performances of that manner have been few and far-between and were almost non-existent throughout the second half of last season and thoughts of European football slipped away in a haze of mediocrity. The proposed appointment of Jaissle could herald a return of the energy and intensity that helped Howe transform United from relegation certainties to Champions League qualifiers. The German is a graduate of the Red Bull stable of clubs that has provided the launchpad for several high-profile managers and produced a number of sides that renowned for their aggression in and out of possession. Jaissle’s players are told to force turnovers in possession high up the pitch and give their opponents little time to recover with quick passing and slick movement. Although there will be a settling-in period as the new Magpies boss prepares for life in the Premier League, such an approach should give fans hope their side can rediscover their identity.

Connect with his players

One of the key phrases used by managers at all levels of the game is ‘buy-in’ as they look to set their demands for their squad in the hope they will respond in a positive manner. For Jaissle’s preferred style of play, where high-risk, high pressing across of the pitch can open up spaces for opposition to punish even the merest of errors, such ‘buy-in’ is essential. Howe appeared to have Newcastle playing to his tune when he enjoyed memorable wins against the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. However, that appeared to erode throughout last season. Although few, if any, players within the United ranks will have faced a Jaissle side, it is important that he connects with his players early, starting with their training camp in Spain.

Re-energise the club

The last 12 months at Newcastle have been draining and the euphoria and momentum that special day at Wembley has been gradually eroded. The Alexander Isak saga started the process, an inability to find consistency in performances and results continued to cause consternation and there was a clear lack of energy on and off the pitch throughout the final months of Howe’s reign. The former Bournemouth manager has achieved so much during his time in charge - but having witnessed his demeanour pre and post-match in Saturday’s friendly draw with Gateshead, there felt a clear lack of energy and drive, which are without question two of his greatest qualities. Of course, such energy could and should come from the very top of the club, but the head coach also plays a key role in ensuring levels and standards remain high across the pitch.

Engage with the club over the future of key players

There is no question Newcastle’s recruitment policy has undergone something of a transformation this summer. Although the additions of more experienced players are believed to be on the agenda, the four new arrivals at the time of writing are still in the early stages of what they hope will become successful careers. Yet it is the departure of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon and the possible sales of Brazilian duo Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes that are currently dominating the headlines. Eddie Howe’s involvement in transfer decisions has receded and there have been claims he was not involved at all throughout the final months of his near five-year reign. Sporting director Ross Wilson is leading the incoming and outgoing business - but it could be wise for Jaissle to have some input into any possible incomings or outgoings over his time in charge.

Forge a strong relationship with supporters

Newcastle are always at their strongest when supporters, players and managers are aligned - and there appears to be a distancing of ways in recent months. Credible and valid concerns have been aired by supporters about the future direction of the club and the slipping of standards on the pitch in recent months - and those concerns should not be ignored at such a challenging time. There is no doubt, Howe’s status at the club caused division and although the world of social media can become an echo chamber, there was a clear difference of opinion when it came to the future of the now-former Magpies manager. As is the way in the modern world, some crossed a line with their comments, but the majority made valid points as to why change was needed and why performances and results had slipped dramatically in the aftermath of that historic Wembley win. With star players leaving earlier this summer and others all but sitting in the departure lounge, there is a need to repair the relationship with supporters via clear and concise communication.

Howe’s bond with the Tyneside faithful was all but instant as he shook off some below-par results in the early weeks of his reign before triggering a major upturn in fortunes that led him to write his name in the club’s history books last year. Jaissle can sew the seeds of a similar relationship by understanding how the supporters hold their club so close to their hearts and realising just how central Newcastle United is to the city as a whole.

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