Abdulhafiz TeslimMatthias Jaissle has admitted he is fully aware of the legacy left by Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United ahead of an emotional first home game against Liverpool on August 23.
Newcastle are preparing to pay tribute to Keegan, who died in July, with the Liverpool fixture expected to be an emotional occasion at St James’ Park.
Jaissle said he immediately became aware of Keegan’s importance to the club and understands the significance of the planned tribute.
> “I heard straight away about it because he’s such a legend, and I knew straight away what impact he had on that club.”
The Newcastle head coach also revealed that England manager Thomas Tuchel could be an important influence during his time at St James’ Park.
Tuchel was Jaissle’s coach when the Newcastle boss was a youth player at Stuttgart, and Jaissle credits him with helping his development.
> “He was my coach when I was a youth player in Stuttgart, so quite an interesting story. He was part of why I was developing quite well as a young kid.”
Jaissle spoke highly of Tuchel’s coaching ability and said he hopes to remain in contact with him while gaining insights into the Premier League.
> “An amazing coach, I really admire him. I appreciate him a lot, what he did already and what he will do for sure also in the future.”
The German coach also acknowledged that Newcastle are entering a major period of transition and insisted that progress will not happen overnight.
Jaissle said ambition was one of the key reasons he accepted the Newcastle job, but stressed the importance of having a clear long-term vision involving the board, management, players, staff and supporters.
He added that everyone must work together and focus on taking small steps towards the club’s bigger objectives.
> “We need time now. And we can only do our best day by day, breaking it down with a goal long ahead.”
Jaissle is now preparing for his first competitive season in charge of Newcastle, with the Liverpool match set to provide an emotional and potentially significant opening chapter of his reign at St James’ Park.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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