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Jaissle Starts Newcastle Reign with Friendly Win, Urges Caution
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Sports

Jaissle Starts Newcastle Reign with Friendly Win, Urges Caution

From BBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • New Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle secured a win in his first pre-season friendly against Valencia.
  • Despite the victory, Jaissle emphasized the team has much work to do and cautioned against premature celebration.
  • The match saw an early setback with an injury to Anthony Elanga, but goals from Yoane Wissa and strong performances from young substitutes offered encouragement.

New Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle began his tenure with a victory in his first pre-season friendly, defeating Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium. However, Jaissle tempered expectations, stating, "We will not smash the locker room now and celebrate. We still have a lot to do."

We will not smash the locker room now and celebrate. We still have a lot to do.

— Matthias JaissleCommenting on the team's victory in his first friendly match.

The match presented immediate challenges. Newcastle fell behind within four minutes to Filip Ugrinic's goal. The team also faced a scare when forward Anthony Elanga was stretchered off after a tackle from Valencia's Jose Gaya, which resulted in a red card for the Spaniard. Jaissle admitted to being "in fear" for Elanga, though the player later walked and is not believed to have sustained a serious injury.

Despite the early setbacks, Newcastle showed resilience. Substitute Yoane Wissa scored twice, and other replacements like Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur, recent signings from Hoffenheim and Ajax, also impressed. Jaissle acknowledged that "winning games always helps to gain confidence" and praised his players' commitment after a demanding week of training.

Winning games always helps to gain confidence. We also knew that we had a hard week behind us. The players did well and there was a huge commitment to see in each session, so they really deserve two days off and then we start again.

— Matthias JaissleReflecting on the team's performance and commitment after the match.

The win comes amid a period of significant change at the club, with former head coach Eddie Howe departing and key players like Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon leaving. The squad's average age has decreased notably, with several young players making their debuts or impressing from the bench. Jaissle, known for developing young talent at RB Salzburg, sees "time" as the key to integrating these young players into the team's intense style of play.

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 do that.

— Matthias JaissleDiscussing the development of young players in the squad.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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