'I've worked with Matthias Jaissle before, this will be his biggest challenge at Newcastle'

Matthias Jaissle has been given the enormous task of leading a bleeding Newcastle United team into the 2026-27 campaign.

Eddie Howe suddenly left after five years at St James' Park, departing with his head held high, having broken Newcastle's 70-year trophy drought.

The situation has become dire, with Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier all leaving, and Bruno Guimaraes set to join Arsenal.

Despite signing multiple youngsters, such as Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba, the squad has never looked more diminished in recent years.

And that's just in time for the new manager, Jaissle, coming in from Al Ahli, with very little to no experience in Europe's top five leagues in his very short career so far.

It certainly feels like a bit of a risk to appoint the 38-year-old, and having worked with the new manager previously, Jan Aage Fjortoft has shared his thoughts.

What Newcastle United fans can expect from Matthias Jaissle

The former footballer-turned-journalist has told supporters at St James' Park what to expect from the ex-RB Salzburg and FC Liefering coach.

Taking to X (5 August), he said: "I worked with him during his time at Red Bull Salzburg. He’s what I’d call a classic Red Bull coach, high pressing, quick transitions, and constant intensity.

"But during his spell in Salzburg, I also saw him develop the team’s game with the ball. I think he’ll build a connection with the squad quickly.

"The bigger challenge? Building one with the Toon Army," and Jaissle has been left with very little time before the 2026-27 season starts to do either.

The Magpies kick off the new Premier League campaign by welcoming Liverpool to St James' Park on Sunday, 23 August, and that will give him the chance to show what his team can really do.

What are Newcastle's chances of relegation?

When the odds were first emerging, Newcastle were priced at 40/1 to be relegated from the Premier League. That seems a long time ago now.

As per one major bookmaker, the Magpies are just 9/1 to be playing Championship football in 2027-28, although several teams are still more likely.

Things have changed drastically at St James' Park, not just on the pitch but off the pitch too, so it wouldn't be surprising to see a slow start to the new season.

Clashes against Hull City and Coventry City are already looking like important fixtures in September and October, so Jaissle has plenty of work to do.