Matthias Jaissle used his first extended media appearance as Newcastle United head coach to offer a candid glimpse into the fiery persona that awaits Premier League opponents this season, while acknowledging he may need to temper his sideline conduct to avoid trouble with officials.
The 38-year-old German, who joined Newcastle earlier this month after spells at Al-Ahli and RB Salzburg, opened his news conference at St James' Park with a lighthearted greeting to reporters before settling into a composed, measured tone throughout much of the session. Yet those who have worked closely with him insist there is a striking contrast between his calm exterior in press settings and the passion he displays once matches begin.
Jaissle himself admitted as much, conceding that his animated touchline behaviour could put him at odds with Premier League referees unfamiliar with his intensity. "I will not change my style because that's my personality," he said. "On the touchline, I am emotional, but I need to respect the box [technical area] a bit more. I'm a bit scared. I hope in the beginning the referees can maybe close their eyes here and there a little. I need to learn that." He added a wry aside about his previous role in Saudi Arabia, joking that any GPS tracker monitoring his movement in the technical area would have recorded significant distances covered.
That competitive edge has followed Jaissle since his playing days, which were cut short by a serious knee injury at just 26. Former Hoffenheim team-mate Chinedu Obasi recalled him as a relentlessly driven figure even then, describing him as "very hungry" and someone who was "vocal and passionate about the game" with an unwavering desire to win.
Jaissle takes over from Eddie Howe, who departed last month after nearly five years in charge during which he restored belief on Tyneside, won the EFL Cup in 2025, and guided the club into the Champions League on two occasions. However, Newcastle's form dipped notably last season, with the team finishing 12th in the Premier League and struggling not only away from home but also losing seven league fixtures at St James' Park itself.
Restoring the fortress-like atmosphere that once made St James' Park a daunting venue for visiting sides is high on Jaissle's list of priorities. Describing his reaction upon being shown around the stadium for the first time, he said he and his staff were left with "goosebumps," adding that staff at the club had explained just how powerful the crowd's presence can be on matchdays. He expressed hope that an aggressive, vertical, and front-footed approach would forge a strong connection between his players and supporters.
Early signs of that identity emerged during a demanding pre-season training camp in Spain, which included a 2-1 victory over Valencia. Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek said the squad wants opponents to feel they are in for "a hard time" against Newcastle, while defender Malick Thiaw noted that training intensity under the new coach has been "really high."
Season ticket holder Adam Stoker welcomed the shift in approach, suggesting Howe had appeared fatigued by the end of his tenure and that some of the club's earlier energy had faded. He believes Jaissle's philosophy could revive memories of Newcastle's vibrant 2022-23 campaign and reconnect the fanbase with a high-tempo style of football.
Jaissle inherits a squad reshaped by the departures of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimaraes, admitting their exits have left a "vacuum" to fill. Still, he remains optimistic about the project ahead, insisting that ambition, patience, and unity between supporters, players, staff and the club's hierarchy will be key to building a successful chapter at Newcastle. His first test arrives quickly, with Liverpool visiting Tyneside for the Premier League season opener on 23 August.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.