Matthias Jaissle has given Newcastle United fans plenty of reason for optimism ahead of next weekend’s clash with Liverpool, with his aggressive style already beginning to take shape during pre-season.
Although Newcastle suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen at St James’ Park, there were encouraging signs from Jaissle’s side, particularly in the way they pressed and attempted to win the ball high up the pitch.
Ibrahim Maza opened the scoring inside the opening minute before Malick Thiaw headed Newcastle level from Anthony Elanga’s deep corner just before half-time. Victor Boniface eventually restored Leverkusen’s lead in the second half to seal victory.
However, the result did not overshadow the positive signs emerging under Jaissle, with the Newcastle head coach’s touchline reaction revealing exactly what he wants from his players.
Jaissle’s good news for Newcastle fans
Jaissle promised aggressive, intense and front-footed football with a high press, and Newcastle supporters were given a glimpse of that against Leverkusen.
In the first half, Elanga drove the press as he raced forward to close down goalkeeper Mark Flekken, forcing the Dutch international to put the ball into touch rather than finding a Leverkusen team-mate.
Jaissle’s reaction said everything.
The Newcastle boss applauded the effort and was even happier moments later when his side won possession deep inside Leverkusen’s half from a goal-kick.
Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Harvey Barnes were joined by Lewis Miley as Newcastle’s front players camped around the Leverkusen penalty area.
When Flekken went short, all five players immediately initiated the press and Newcastle won the ball back, almost creating another opportunity.
It is a brave and risky approach, but if Newcastle can execute it consistently, it could create plenty of chances this season.
And Jaissle’s instructions later provided another major glimpse into his plans.
When Leverkusen dallied on the ball just in front of the halfway line, Jaissle screamed: “Wiss, higher!”
Wissa immediately reacted, won possession and fed Woltemade, who could only fire straight at Flekken.
That is the kind of aggressive football Jaissle promised Newcastle fans — and it could become a major weapon ahead of the Liverpool clash.
Mason Miley gives Jaissle another reason to smile
Newcastle may be closing in on Amar Dedic from Benfica, but Mason Miley reminded Jaissle that he already has another promising option within his squad.
The 17-year-old midfielder impressed at right-back against Leverkusen and showed that he can provide useful cover in the position.
Miley almost created a goal for Wissa in the first half when his clever clipped cross set up the DR Congo international for a close-range volley.
He was equally impressive defensively.
When Miley boxed in Leverkusen left-back Miguel Gutierrez deep inside his own half, Jaissle immediately reacted by shouting: “Yes, Mason!”
Dedic will surely start against Liverpool if his signing is confirmed in time, but Miley may have moved ahead of Leo Shahar in the queue to become his deputy while Tino Livramento continues his recovery.
The Carabao Cup second-round match against West Brom later this month could therefore provide the youngster with an opportunity to make his competitive debut.
Thiaw’s leadership sends another strong message
Malick Thiaw was named Newcastle captain for the second time in three games and further strengthened his case to become part of Jaissle’s revamped leadership group.
Dan Burn has been named club captain ahead of the new season, with Joelinton as vice-captain, but Thiaw’s growing involvement suggests Jaissle clearly trusts the Germany international.
He repaid that trust against Leverkusen by scoring Newcastle’s equaliser.
Thiaw rose highest to meet Elanga’s corner and headed past Flekken at the back post.
His performance and leadership will give Jaissle another important decision to make ahead of the Liverpool fixture.
Elanga and Wissa provide more positive news
There was also encouragement from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa.
Both players have returned this summer with something to prove, and their performances during pre-season have provided Newcastle supporters with reason to be hopeful.
Elanga created Newcastle’s goal against Leverkusen, while Wissa once again looked sharp as the pair attempt to justify Newcastle’s combined £110million investment in them last summer.
However, one major concern remains.
The big worry ahead of Liverpool
Getting the best out of Nick Woltemade is proving to be a more difficult task.
The forward produced another quiet performance and has now struggled to make a significant impact in three successive pre-season games.
That could put his place in the starting XI against Liverpool in serious doubt.
Newcastle’s lack of creativity remains the biggest concern, particularly when it comes to where the goals will come from this season.
It was telling that United created two gilt-edged opportunities after Sean Neave replaced Woltemade, with the youngster expected to spend the season elsewhere on loan.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s Maza showed exactly what Newcastle lacked, operating in dangerous pockets of space and constantly searching for incisive passes.
So, while Jaissle has given Newcastle fans plenty of positive signs with his high-intensity approach, the lack of creativity and goals remains the major issue to solve before Liverpool arrive.
The coming days, including the Strasbourg clash, could therefore be crucial as Jaissle decides which players have done enough to earn a place in his starting XI for the much-anticipated Liverpool test.