Jaissle Begins Newcastle Rebuild with Valencia Win; Elanga Scare Not Serious

New Newcastle coach Matthias Jaissle marked his first game in charge with a 2-1 pre-season friendly win against Valencia, though he stressed that significant work remains for his young squad. The team faced an early challenge when Filip Ugrinic scored for Valencia within the first four minutes at the Mestalla Stadium.

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It was a friendly today. We will not smash the locker room now and celebrate a lot. We're quite balanced. We know what it is about. Now it's pre-season, and we're still looking to work on it. It's just a journey.

However, Newcastle rallied in the second half, with substitute Yoane Wissa netting two goals to secure the victory. Jaissle tempered expectations following the win, stating, "It was a friendly today. We will not smash the locker room now and celebrate a lot. We're quite balanced. We know what it is about. Now it's pre-season, and we're still looking to work on it. It's just a journey."

The match was overshadowed by an injury scare for new signing Anthony Elanga. The Swedish international was stretchered off after a challenge from Valencia defender Jose Gaya, who received a red card for the incident. Fortunately, Jaissle reported that the injury did not appear to be serious, easing concerns about the player's immediate availability.

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It seems to be not bad, so we are pleased. I hope it's true, then he can start again next week.

Jaissle, who was appointed on Wednesday following Eddie Howe's departure, inherits a squad undergoing a transition, marked by the departures of key players like Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon. He has placed his faith in youth, with goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, midfielder Aladji Bamba, and winger Bazoumana Toure making their debuts. The 18-year-old Sean Steur also impressed after coming off the bench.

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I was in fear, definitely, but now I'm more relaxed as the medical department is showing almost green lights, and there's nothing serious.

"Time is the key. They're young lads," Jaissle commented on his squad. "It's never going to be easy in football, especially at the highest level, but we're here to help them." Newcastle is set to begin their Premier League campaign against Liverpool on August 23.

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Time is the key. They're young lads. It's never going to be easy in football, especially at the highest level, but we're here to help them.