Matthias Jaissle needs a response at Crystal Palace on Sunday. Newcastle United’s head coach is coming off a bruising week. A senior figure from the club’s owners also watched him closely at his latest press conference.
Owners keep a close eye
Jacobo Solis took a seat at the back of the media room on Friday. He is head of international direct investments at the Saudi Public Investment Fund and sits on Newcastle’s board.
Chronicle Live reports that the training ground has been united this week. Jaissle, his staff, the players and the club’s decision makers are all said to be in alignment. Jaissle said everyone is “in the same boat”. He called his style open and transparent and said he listens as well as speaks.
He also acknowledges it will be a difficult task. Jaissle was appointed on the 5th of August after Eddie Howe resigned on the 30th July. “You just have to keep your head up and keep faith,” he said.
Two defeats, one problem
Newcastle have lost three of their last four league games. The latest two hurt most.
On 12 October they went down 4-1 at Coventry City. The hosts won a sixth-minute penalty after goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek brought down Sidiki Cherif. It was Coventry’s first home Premier League win in 25 years. Last Saturday, Johan Manzambi headed a first-half winner for Aston Villa in a 1-0 defeat. The home fans booed at half-time and full-time.
Newcastle are currently sitting in 11th place having picked up just eight points. They have also lost their last two away games 4-1. Jaissle wants the team to become much more clinical and take their chances. He accepts that losing by large scores will affect their confidence.
There is some good news on the injury front. Captain Dan Burn and vice-captain Joelinton are back in contention. Jaissle warned it could take a couple of weeks for them to hit top form. Anthony Elanga has trained and could join the squad, though not for 90 minutes. Jacob Ramsey is back on the grass but will not be rushed. Tino Livramento and Ewen Jaouen remain out.
Palace are hurting too
Palace sit 14th on seven points, just one behind. They have conceded 17 goals, the most in the league.
They’ve not had an easy time of it recently, losing 5-0 to Brighton before a 2-2 draw against Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday. Pierre Sage is reportedly under pressure as Jaissle expects them to respond. Chadi Riad is sidelined, while Ben Chilwell and Jorgen Strand Larsen are injured.
Palace have only lost one of their last 11 home fixtures against Newcastle, winning four and drawing six. The game kicks off at 2pm before they travel to Everton in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.
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