Matthias Jaissle suffered a 2-1 defeat by Bayer Leverkusen in his first match at St James' Park. Newcastle United continue to stutter in pre-season ahead of their Premier League opener against Liverpool next Sunday. The club currently has little positive momentum following a summer where star players departed and Eddie Howe stood down as manager.
Bayer Leverkusen took the lead after just 44 seconds when Ibrahim Maza smashed the ball past new Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. Malick Thiaw levelled the score with a header before half time. Victor Boniface then steered an 82nd minute winner for the visitors, with the decisive goal again asking questions of Hornicek.
Newcastle face leadership void
Newcastle have lost their leadership core this summer. The team currently looks quiet and in need of character and a new culture. When Newcastle trailed in previous seasons, Bruno Guimaraes would come to the rescue. Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon provided pace and aggression to set a fast tempo from the start. Kieran Trippier also led the side in the dark arts of the game. That entire quartet has now gone, leaving the current squad lacking in direction.
Jaissle has not been aided by the loss of Joelinton. The midfielder will be missing for at least a couple of weeks with an unnamed injury.
Speaking about the upcoming Liverpool match, Jaissle said: "We're not concerned (about Liverpool being so soon). We know the reality and we'll do the best out of the reality. But it's a huge challenge. You're all smart enough to see that. But what we can do, it's pretty simple, we can do our best every day together with the lads we have here."
The manager also addressed potential arrivals. "The club knows exactly the needs (on transfers). We stick with the plan. There will be some changes, for sure," Jaissle said.
Violet kit replaces home strip
Newcastle wore their new home strip for just 24 minutes at St James' Park. An embarrassing kit clash with Bayer Leverkusen was obvious to everyone from the moment the two teams left the tunnel.
Jaissle was not impressed by his players being forced to second guess their quick passes. During the drinks break in the first half, the black and white shirts were ditched. Newcastle changed into their violet change kit at the direct request of the manager.
Jaissle said: "I was surprised when we kicked off because the two shirts were so close to each other. It was smart to change it."
Record signing struggles to impact
Nick Woltemade remains a problem for the club. The club record 69 million pound signing struggled under Eddie Howe, and Jaissle is no closer to finding a solution in three pre-season matches. The German head coach used his countryman as a number 10 in his first match, and then as a striker in the subsequent two games.
Woltemade has been too loose in possession and has struggled to make any impact in the penalty area. Newcastle could not afford to take a big loss on the forward this summer to comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules. There was also no interest from other clubs at a price Newcastle would have accepted.
Jaissle must now work with the talented forward to bring about improvement, though Woltemade appears to be a player suited to another club's puzzle.
Defensive reinforcements close
Newcastle are nearing the finalisation of a 30 million pound deal for Amar Dedic. The 23 year old Benfica right back is expected to join in the coming days to reinforce a defence in desperate need of additions.
Seventeen year old Mason Miley played at right back against Bayer Leverkusen and was his team's best player on the day. The teenager showed himself to be strong, robust and smart on the ball.
His older brother Lewis Miley also returned to the pitch in a timely boost for the club. The 20 year old midfielder had been missing since May with a broken leg. While short of match fitness and replaced at half time, the older Miley brother has the ability to emerge as a much needed leader.
Yoane Wissa was again the chief irritant in attack for Newcastle. The number nine has looked sharp this summer, following his performances at the World Cup. He endured a nightmare debut season that was ruined by a knee injury, but his return adds a bright spark.
Burn takes over captaincy
Dan Burn has been named as the new Newcastle captain, replacing Guimaraes. The 34 year old England defender has yet to make an appearance under Jaissle but will lead the team for the new season.
Burn said: "It's an absolute honour to be named captain of Newcastle United. It's always an immense privilege to represent this football club, especially when I have been trusted with the armband on previous occasions, but to lead the team on a permanent basis is going to be really special."
He added: "It's been an incredible journey since I joined the club four-and-a-half years ago, we've achieved some amazing things together and enjoyed some unforgettable moments. I believe there's still more to come and I'm relishing the responsibility of pushing everybody every single day to make sure that is the case."
Jaissle praised his new captain's character. "Dan is a natural leader and a perfect fit for the role of Newcastle United captain," Jaissle said. "He puts the interests of the team ahead of his own every time he steps onto the pitch and always gives maximum commitment in everything he does."
Jaissle continued: "Off the pitch, he leads by example in how he conducts himself. Not many people understand what this club means to the city better than Dan and that experience will be vital in helping guide our younger players through this period of change and adaptation."
