Meet Newcastle's prospective new coach: an impressive track record and a legacy inherited from a former Manchester United coach.
On 30 July 2026 GMT+7, the background of Matthias Jaissle, a 38-year-old young coach, was revealed after he emerged as the top candidate to become Newcastle United's new manager, replacing Eddie Howe who resigned abruptly.
David Ornstein, a renowned journalist from The Athletic, and Fabrizio Romano, a famous insider, both reported that Newcastle is preparing for the transition, with negotiations between Al Ahli and Matthias Jaissle having made significant progress.
A key factor behind this deal is that Newcastle and Al Ahli share the same owner: the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.
Date of birth: 5 April 1988 (age 38)
Nationality: German
Playing career
- Played as a center-back for Hoffenheim (1899 Hoffenheim) from 2007 to 2014 but retired early at 26 due to a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Coaching career
- Matthias Jaissle was encouraged and recruited into coaching by Ralf Rangnick, former manager of Stuttgart, Schalke 04, Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, and Manchester United.
- Started as youth coach for Leipzig U17 and assistant manager at Brøndby.
- Took charge of his first professional senior team at FC Liefering in Austria's second division, leading them to a runner-up finish.
Despite his young age, Matthias Jaissle has achieved outstanding results in both Europe and Asia as follows:
1. Red Bull Salzburg (2021–2023)
- Austrian Bundesliga champion twice: 2021–22, 2022–23
- Austrian Cup winner once: 2021–22
- Led the club to its first-ever UEFA Champions League round of 16 in the 2021–22 season.
2. Al Ahli (2023–present)
- AFC Champions League Elite champions twice in a row: 2024–25 and 2025–26
- Saudi Super Cup winner once: 2025
Matthias Jaissle's football style is influenced by Ralf Rangnick, his mentor, developed through work with Red Bull-affiliated clubs like FC Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg.
- High pressing (High Gegenpressing): Emphasizes immediate pressure on opponents upon losing possession in the attacking third to force errors in dangerous areas.
- Vertical play: Focuses on quick goal-scoring attacks with minimal build-up after regaining possession, avoiding prolonged ball circulation.
- Preferred formations: Uses 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-1-2 diamond, emphasizing fitness, relentless running, and agility of young players.
- Player management: Known for developing young talent potential and building strong team spirit.
