Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United finally have their first competitive victory under Matthias Jaissle — but the German manager’s biggest statement may have come after the final whistle.
The Magpies survived a dramatic Carabao Cup clash against West Bromwich Albion at St James’ Park on Wednesday night, eventually securing a 3-2 victory in a game that tested the new-look Newcastle side from start to finish.
The result was particularly important for Jaissle, who had endured plenty of scrutiny after taking over at Newcastle and beginning his reign with a frustrating draw against Liverpool.
However, instead of allowing the pressure to build, the German coach has continued to insist that supporters need to give his project time.
There had already been questions surrounding his age, experience and tactical approach before the season even properly got underway. Some pundits have questioned whether Newcastle have taken a gamble by handing the job to a relatively young manager.
But Jaissle appears increasingly comfortable answering those doubts on the pitch.
And Wednesday night provided another opportunity.
Newcastle were initially stunned when West Brom took the lead through Isaac Price, whose excellent free-kick left debutant goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen beaten.
The hosts responded before half-time, with one of their new arrivals producing the moment that Newcastle supporters had been waiting for.
Bazoumana Touré got on the scoresheet after Amar Dedić delivered an excellent cross, with teenage midfielder Sean Steur also playing an important role in the build-up.
The momentum then shifted after the break.
Jaissle introduced Harvey Barnes at half-time and the decision immediately paid off.
The England international needed only a few minutes to put Newcastle ahead, reacting quickly inside the box after a corner caused problems for the West Brom defence.
But the Championship visitors refused to surrender.
A handball inside the Newcastle penalty area gave Price the opportunity to score his second of the night from the spot, bringing West Brom level again and leaving Jaissle facing a nervy final period.
That was when Barnes stepped up once more.
With Newcastle searching for the decisive moment, the winger found the back of the net again to complete his brace and restore the Magpies’ advantage.
This time, Newcastle held on.
The final whistle brought huge relief around St James’ Park and, perhaps more importantly, gave Jaissle the first competitive victory of his Newcastle career.
The manager’s reaction also showed just how much the result meant.
Jaissle was animated throughout the match, constantly demanding more from his players and even becoming involved in a heated exchange with officials during stoppage time.
For a manager who has been questioned over whether he is ready for the demands of English football, it was a night that showed another side of his personality.
And this is where the criticism from his doubters comes into focus.
The idea that Jaissle is simply a young coach with inexperienced ideas has followed him into the Newcastle job. But the German clearly believes his methods deserve to be judged over time rather than after a handful of matches.
His response, therefore, carries an obvious message: Newcastle’s project is still developing.
The club have undergone significant changes during the summer, while several important players have left and a number of new faces have arrived. The likes of Dedić, Touré and Steur are still adapting to their new surroundings, while Nico González was officially introduced to the St James’ Park crowd before Wednesday’s match.
That means Jaissle is not simply inheriting an established Newcastle side.
He is attempting to build something new.
And against West Brom, there were encouraging signs.
The new arrivals combined for the equaliser, Dedić provided dangerous deliveries from the right, Touré opened his Newcastle account and Steur showed why the club have such high hopes for him.
But there is still plenty for Jaissle to fix.
Newcastle conceded twice against a Championship opponent and were forced to fight until the final minutes to secure their place in the next round. The defensive issues, particularly after Lewis Hall’s handball led to West Brom’s penalty, will certainly concern the manager.
Still, winning ugly is sometimes exactly what a new manager needs.
Jaissle now has his first victory, his new signings are beginning to make an impact and the supporters have another reason to believe that the transition may eventually produce something special.
The next challenge will come away from home against Millwall in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
For now, though, Jaissle can enjoy his first Newcastle victory.
And to those still questioning whether the German is too young, too inexperienced or simply has “baby ideas”, his response is becoming increasingly simple:
Let the football do the talking.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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