Matthias Jaissle has emerged as the surprise favorite to become the next head coach of Newcastle United, with Eddie Howe expected to depart the club. Howe has been in charge since November 2021, leading the Magpies to their first domestic trophy in 70 years by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025.
Jaissle, 38, is currently managing Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli. He previously managed RB Salzburg, where he won the Austrian Bundesliga twice and the Austrian Cup once in two seasons. During his tenure at Salzburg, the team featured players such as Benjamin Sesko and Brenden Aaronson, who now play in the Premier League, and Karim Adeyemi, currently at Barcelona.
Before his spell in Austria, Jaissle worked as an assistant manager at Danish club Brondby and coached RB Salzburg's Under-18 academy team. He then took his first head coaching role at Liefering in Austria's second tier, guiding them to a second-placed finish. His success there led to his appointment at RB Salzburg, replacing Jesse Marsch.
In 2023, Jaissle moved to Al-Ahli, leading them to consecutive Asian Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026. These achievements are likely to have drawn the attention of Newcastle's Saudi ownership.
Jaissle, a former center-half who progressed through Stuttgart's youth system and played for Hoffenheim, was forced to retire from playing at age 25 due to injury. He represented Germany at the Under-21 level.
His coaching philosophy is known for high-pressing attacking football, demanding intensity and aggressive turnovers high up the pitch. This style is expected to be a positive factor for Newcastle supporters.