Abdulhafiz TeslimMatthias Jaissle has delivered a confident message to Newcastle United supporters ahead of Sunday’s huge Premier League meeting with Liverpool, insisting that anything is possible when the Magpies play in front of their home crowd.
The Newcastle head coach faced the media on Thursday afternoon for his first St James’ Park press conference ahead of a Premier League fixture, with the focus firmly on Sunday’s 4.30pm showdown against Liverpool.
Jaissle knows he could hardly have asked for a more demanding opening challenge, but the German coach appears determined to embrace the occasion and believes Newcastle’s supporters can play a major role in helping his new-look squad make a statement.
Speaking during his 20-minute press conference, Jaissle repeatedly highlighted the importance of unity, belief and togetherness as Newcastle prepare for a difficult season.
His message to the supporters was clear.
“Have belief, be consistent in their approach, how they support us. I am a big fan of what I have seen already. The togetherness, all in it together, that is the biggest message to them and that could be the biggest benefit this season.”
The atmosphere at St James’ Park is expected to be particularly emotional on Sunday, with Newcastle preparing a special tribute to club legend Kevin Keegan.
Jaissle acknowledged the importance of the moment and praised Keegan’s contribution to the club.
“It will be really special, we will feel that on Sunday. He is a legend, what he did for this club, what he was building. Everyone in the stadium will show their tribute for him on Sunday and it will be a special moment.”
Away from the celebrations, Jaissle also provided important updates on several Newcastle players.
Tino Livramento has partially returned to training, but the manager stressed that the club will not rush his comeback. Joelinton, meanwhile, is expected to remain unavailable for a couple of weeks.
“It is too early to say on Tino, he was partially involved, but we need to be smart with his progress now. We need to wait until he is 100% fit. Joelinton is out for a couple of weeks. I am really confident that he will be back as soon as possible.”
Jaissle also revealed that Dan Burn and Lewis Miley will be assessed carefully, with Newcastle taking a cautious approach to workload management.
One of the biggest positives, however, is the availability of new signing Amar Dedic.
Jaissle believes the versatile defender is already prepared to make an impact, having previously worked with him at Salzburg.
“Amar is a perfect addition to the squad, he is versatile in his approach and our playing style. A good fit, especially given our time together at Salzburg. I am confident he is ready.”
The manager also welcomed the announcement of Newcastle’s £190 million agreement to develop a new state-of-the-art training base at Woolsington Hall.
Jaissle described the project as a major statement of intent from the club and a sign of Newcastle’s ambitions for the future.
“I am really pleased that we can announce that today, it will be a world-class training facility, and sets standards for this ambitious club. It is a great sign for our future. I can’t wait to see that development now. It shows the ambitions of the club.”
With the final days of the transfer window approaching, Jaissle also hinted that Newcastle could still strengthen their squad before the deadline.
But for now, the immediate focus is Liverpool.
And when asked about Newcastle’s chances of overcoming one of the Premier League’s biggest sides at St James’ Park, Jaissle delivered a simple but powerful response:
“At home, everything is possible.”
That statement perfectly captures the mood heading into Sunday’s encounter.
Newcastle have a new manager, a reshaped squad and plenty of questions to answer, but Jaissle clearly believes the combination of home advantage, supporter unity and ambition can give his team a chance to make an early statement.
Liverpool will arrive expecting a difficult but winnable away fixture. Newcastle, however, appear ready to turn St James’ Park into a fortress once again.
Sunday could therefore provide the first major opportunity for Jaissle to show Newcastle supporters exactly what his project is capable of.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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