Matthias Jaissle's Red Bull Salzburg Secure Opening Day Win
Newcastle United's new head coach, Matthias Jaissle, has made a promising start to his tenure with the club, securing a win in his first pre-season friendly against Valencia.
The match, played at the Mestalla Stadium, saw Newcastle fall behind early, but Jaissle's team responded well, with forward Yoane Wissa scoring two goals off the bench. The result was a 2-1 win for Newcastle, with Jaissle praising his players' commitment and teamwork.
Jaissle, who joined Newcastle from Red Bull Salzburg, has a history of developing young players, and it seems he is off to a good start. The average age of the squad has been lowered significantly, with several young players making their debuts in the match. Forward Harvey Barnes was the oldest starter at just 28 years old.
Jaissle's intense brand of football requires a high level of fitness and energy, and it was clear that his players were up for the challenge. Captain Malick Thiaw, who led the side out on his 25th birthday, was a vocal presence throughout the match, urging his teammates on and rarely standing within the markings of his technical area.
The match was not without its controversies, however. Forward Anthony Elanga was stretchered off the field after a bad tackle from Valencia's Jose Gaya, which earned the Spaniard a red card. Jaissle admitted that he was "in fear" after seeing Elanga in distress, but the forward was able to walk a little later and is not thought to be seriously injured.
Jaissle has also shown a ruthless streak in his selection, leaving goalkeeper Nick Pope out of the squad altogether against Valencia. The German coach praised Pope's past contributions but emphasized the need to deal with the situation in the best possible way.
Jaissle will now return to Newcastle for the first time as the club's head coach, with a landmark in mind to see before he is formally unveiled at St James' Park next week. The 38-year-old will visit the stadium and get his first impressions, setting the stage for his tenure as the club's new head coach.
It remains to be seen how Jaissle's team will perform in the upcoming season, but the early signs are promising. With a mix of youth and experience, Newcastle may be able to challenge for a top-four spot in the Premier League.
Source: Yahoo Sports