New Newcastle manager speaks frankly on Bruno Guimarães' move to Arsenal.
On 7 August 2026, Matthias Jaissle, the new Newcastle United head coach, gave his first media interview during the preseason training camp at La Manga, Spain.
Jaissle was asked about Bruno Guimarães, the team's captain and midfielder who recently agreed to a £75 million transfer to Arsenal and is preparing for a medical with his new Premier League rival, before Newcastle officially announced Jaissle as the new coach replacing Eddie Howe.
The 38-year-old German coach said he had a brief conversation with Bruno Guimarães at the camp in Spain, during which the Brazilian international midfielder emotionally said farewell to teammates and club staff.
Jaissle spoke about Bruno Guimarães and Newcastle losing their fourth key player in less than a year, following Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali, saying, "I only met him briefly, but that decision has already been made."
"It was a good conversation. He is an excellent player and a very good person. It’s unfortunate, but for him, this is a new challenge, and we need to handle this situation moving forward."
"We have confidence in the players who remain, but we will also see some changes taking place."
"This is a challenge and a period of many changes right now. Many key players, considered club legends, have left, but we must see this as an opportunity."
"We will not make any excuses but will focus on what we can control. I always say to control what we can control, and I am confident the team will progress this season."
Newcastle is scheduled to open the 2026-27 Premier League season at home against Liverpool on Sunday, 23 August.
