Matthias Jaissle began his time as Newcastle United head coach with a trophy in hand, though he was quick to play down the significance of the result. Newcastle beat Valencia 2-1 to win the Orange Trophy in his first pre-season friendly in charge at the Mestalla Stadium.
Newcastle fell behind inside four minutes when Filip Ugrinic curled in an opener for Valencia. The contest turned feisty when Anthony Elanga was stretchered off following a challenge from Jose Gaya, who was sent off for the tackle. Jaissle said he was ‘in fear’ after seeing Elanga in distress, though the forward was later walking and the injury, a bruised shin, is not thought to be serious.
Substitute Yoane Wissa scored twice after coming off the bench to turn the game in Newcastle’s favour, while fellow substitutes Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur also impressed following their summer moves from Hoffenheim and Ajax respectively. Jaissle said winning games helps build confidence and praised his players’ commitment during a demanding week of work.
Youth to the fore under Jaissle
The match came after a period of significant change at the club, with former head coach Eddie Howe having moved on and key players Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon all leaving in the last year. Supporters adapted a former chant referencing Guimaraes and Isak, who are now at Arsenal and Liverpool, to reflect the changed squad.
Forward Harvey Barnes, aged 28, was Newcastle’s oldest starter against Valencia, reflecting a dramatic lowering of the squad’s average age. Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, 24, midfielder Aladji Bamba, 20, and forward Toure, 20, all made their debuts, while 18-year-old Steur impressed after coming on. Malick Thiaw captained the side on his 25th birthday.
Jaissle, who has a history of developing young players at RB Salzburg, said time would be key for his younger players. ‘It’s never going to be easy in football, especially at the highest level, but we’re here to do that,’ he said.
Pope omitted as further changes loom
Newcastle are looking for additional experience, particularly in midfield, with Dan Burn and Fabian Schar expected to remain important voices in the dressing room. Jaissle has already shown a degree of ruthlessness, leaving goalkeeper Nick Pope, who was a key figure under Howe, out of the squad entirely for the Valencia match.
Jaissle said he had spoken with the 34-year-old Pope and appreciated his career achievements, while stressing they needed to handle the situation in the best possible way. He is set to fly to Newcastle for the first time as head coach ahead of being formally unveiled at St James’ Park next week, and said he intends to visit the stadium and get his first impressions.
