Newcastle United's managerial search has intensified with reports indicating that Matthias Jaissle is the leading candidate to succeed Eddie Howe, whose departure after nearly five years was confirmed on Thursday. Jaissle, currently managing Saudi club Al-Ahli, has held discussions with Newcastle's hierarchy regarding the vacant role.
The 38-year-old German manager has a notable track record of success in his relatively short coaching career. He began his first-team management journey in January 2021 with Austrian second-tier side Liefering, guiding them to their joint-highest finish of second place. The following summer, he took the helm at RB Salzburg, where he secured a domestic double of the Austrian Bundesliga and Austrian Cup in the 2021-22 season. He also led the club to the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Jaissle continued his success at Salzburg, winning the Austrian league title again the subsequent term. However, he was dismissed before the start of the 2023-24 season, subsequently joining Al-Ahli on a three-year contract. Under his guidance, Al-Ahli achieved their first-ever Asian Champions League title in the 2024-25 season and repeated the feat this past season, managing a squad that includes players such as Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez, and Edouard Mendy.
Jaissle's path to management was shaped by an anterior cruciate ligament tear suffered during his playing career, which forced him to retire at 26. Reflecting on this, he stated in December 2024 that the injury allowed him to begin his management career earlier than anticipated. He has cited influences from notable coaches like Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp, Ralf Rangnick, Pep Guardiola, and Roberto De Zerbi, while emphasizing his own authentic coaching approach.
His coaching philosophy centers on applying immediate pressure to the opponent and transitioning rapidly towards the goal upon winning possession.
Should Jaissle take over, he faces the challenge of a significant squad rebuild at Newcastle, with key players like Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali having already departed and captain Bruno Guimaraes' future uncertain. Club legend Alan Shearer commented that Jaissle would require time to navigate the complexities of the Premier League, noting that the club's current situation, with player departures and managerial changes, does not present a positive image. Shearer cautioned that a 38-year-old manager would be tasked with navigating "very, very tricky waters."