Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United’s new era under Matthias Jaissle got off to a winning start as the Magpies came from behind to beat Valencia 2-1 at the Mestalla.
Filip Ugrinic gave the hosts an early lead with a stunning strike in the fourth minute, but the game changed when Valencia captain Jose Gaya was shown a straight red card following a late challenge on Anthony Elanga.
Yoane Wissa then proved to be the match-winner, scoring twice in the second half to complete the comeback. His first goal came after he capitalised on a loose pass from Guido Fernandez before calmly finishing underneath goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
Wissa’s second arrived after Bazoumana Toure created the opportunity, allowing the DR Congo international to roll the ball into an empty net.
Here are five things we learned from Newcastle’s victory.
Jaissle reaction speaks volumes as Elanga injury could force transfer rethink
Jaissle immediately showed his intense personality on the touchline during his first game in charge.
The German coach was constantly involved, gesturing to his players and encouraging Nick Woltemade and Will Osula to trigger the press from the opening minute.
He also went beyond the technical area several times and was clearly determined to make his presence felt.
When Osula had a penalty appeal rejected, Jaissle pulled the striker away from the referee before making his own feelings known.
However, his biggest reaction came after Gaya’s challenge on Elanga.
The Newcastle winger had been one of the brightest players on the pitch before being stretchered off following the late tackle. Players and staff from both sides became involved in the aftermath, while Jaissle raced towards the linesman in anger.
Elanga’s injury is understood to be a shin contusion and may not be serious, with the winger later seen walking around during the second half. However, it remains unclear whether he will miss any matches.
The situation could have implications for Newcastle’s transfer plans.
The club had expected Elanga to enjoy a much stronger second season after returning from the World Cup with Sweden full of confidence. With Jacob Murphy also being linked with a potential departure, Newcastle could now consider adding another winger to their transfer priorities alongside a midfielder and full-back.
Woltemade gets his wish but Wissa shines
Jaissle deployed his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system he has used during his managerial career and one Newcastle also operated with successfully last season.
That setup provided Nick Woltemade with the role he has previously said he prefers.
The 24-year-old began last season as a centre-forward before being experimented with in midfield and eventually settling into a number 10 position.
Woltemade has previously explained that he feels most comfortable either playing behind a striker or as part of a front two, where he can operate with greater freedom.
Against Valencia, he was given the chance to play behind Osula but struggled to make the desired impact.
He will have another opportunity to impress when Newcastle face Everton in their next pre-season fixture.
Instead, it was Wissa who stole the spotlight.
The forward returned from the World Cup in impressive form and followed his three-goal tournament haul with a brace against Valencia.
His performance will give Jaissle another major attacking option to consider heading into the new campaign.
Shock Bruno captain successor?
Dan Burn remains the favourite to succeed Bruno Guimaraes as Newcastle’s club captain.
The experienced defender will have his first opportunity to impress Jaissle when he rejoins the squad ahead of the trip to Edinburgh to face Everton.
However, Malick Thiaw was handed the captain’s armband against Valencia, providing an interesting glimpse into Newcastle’s potential leadership structure.
Thiaw played more than any other Newcastle player last season and quickly established himself as an important member of the squad.
The German defender is also understood to have impressed Jaissle during the club’s training camp in La Manga.
With Newcastle looking for new leaders following Bruno’s departure, giving Thiaw the armband could be viewed as a significant show of confidence.
It will be interesting to see whether he receives another opportunity to captain the team against Everton.
Toure the pick of the new signings
The trip to Valencia provided Newcastle supporters with their first opportunity to see several of the club’s summer arrivals in action.
Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek started the match, while midfielder Aladji Bamba and winger Bazoumana Toure also made their first appearances for the club.
Hornicek could do little about Ugrinic’s spectacular early strike, although his high starting position and willingness to get involved in Newcastle’s build-up immediately stood out.
There were some communication issues between the goalkeeper and his defenders, including moments when Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman headed balls that Hornicek appeared ready to collect.
Those problems should improve as the new goalkeeper becomes more familiar with his teammates.
Bamba also showed some encouraging signs.
The midfielder looked composed when receiving possession under pressure and attempted several ambitious long passes. While not all of them came off, his willingness to continue demanding the ball was noticeable.
His relaxed style has already prompted comparisons with Paul Pogba.
Toure, meanwhile, made the biggest impression of Newcastle’s new signings.
The winger replaced Harvey Barnes at half-time and immediately displayed his pace, crossing ability and confidence.
He provided the assist for Wissa’s second goal after breaking forward and delivering the ball into the striker’s path.
Toure almost created another goal when he glided past his marker before producing an excellent left-footed cross, only for Jacob Murphy to send his effort over the bar.
It was an extremely promising first appearance for the £43 million signing, with plenty more expected from him as pre-season progresses.
Newcastle fans enjoy Valencia sun
Around 2,000 Newcastle supporters travelled to Spain for the friendly and created an impressive atmosphere throughout the trip.
Despite the intense heat in Valencia, supporters gathered around the city before heading to the Mestalla.
They were in good spirits and made themselves heard inside the stadium as Jaissle’s Newcastle side secured a 2-1 victory.
For the new Newcastle boss, it was an encouraging first step.
There are still questions to answer, particularly regarding Elanga’s fitness, the captaincy and whether further additions are needed in the transfer market.
But with Wissa already firing, Toure showing his quality and Jaissle making his personality clear from the touchline, the first signs of the new era are certainly promising.
admin
Abdulhafiz Teslim
