Matthias Jaissle has been named as Newcastle United’s new head coach on a four-year contract, replacing Eddie Howe.
Jaissle was the frontrunner following after almost five years at the club.
Newcastle have paid £9.5million in compensation to Saudi side Al-Ahli, whom Jaissle led to consecutive Asian Champions League crowns over the last two years.
Matthias Jaissle statement
‘It is an incredible honour to become head coach of Newcastle United. This is one of the biggest clubs in European football, with a unique history, identity and supporter base, and I am excited to experience that passion and connection first-hand,’ the German told the club’s official website.
‘When Newcastle United comes your way, you take notice. The ambition of the club, the vision for the future and the opportunity ahead made this an incredibly compelling place to be. I have followed the club’s journey closely in recent years and the progress that has been made is clear for everyone to see.
‘I am incredibly excited about the future. I fully and unreservedly believe in this project, the ambition and the direction the club is taking. There is a clear vision, strong leadership and an exceptional platform to build on.
‘My teams are built on togetherness, hard work, intensity and a passion to improve every single day. I will bring full commitment, full energy and a determination to give everything I have to help this club achieve its ambitions.
‘I believe there is enormous potential within this squad and throughout the football club. I am excited to work with the players, staff and leadership team to help take the club forward.
‘I cannot wait to get started and will attack this opportunity. I give my complete commitment and total energy to bringing further success to Newcastle United.’
Matthias Jaissle’s winning track record
The 38-year-old’s first job only came in January 2021 when he was announced as head coach of Austrian second-tier side Liefering. With just a few months remaining of that campaign he guided them to second place – their joint-highest finish in their history.
That summer he replaced Jesse Marsch as manager of RB Salzburg and the 2021-22 campaign yielded success as he led the club to the domestic double of the Austrian Bundesliga and Austrian Cup titles. He also led the club to the Champions League knockout phase for the first time in their history.
Jaissle backed up that silverware with more the following term as Salzburg were crowned Austrian league winners once more. However, he was sacked on the eve of the 2023-24 season with Al-Ahli becoming his next destination.
Joining the Saudi club on a three-year contract, his success has continued in the Middle East – with the club winning their first-ever Asian Champions League title in 2024-25 and repeating the feat last season – with the likes of Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy in his side.
