Matthias Jaissle: Newcastle head coach says squad needs 'adjustments' in transfer window and previews Liverpool game
Matthias Jaissle replaced Eddie Howe as Newcastle boss in early August; the Magpies have lost a string of key players this summer, but the German is not overawed by any rebuild;Watch Newcastle vs Liverpool on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports, from 4pm; kick-off 4.30pm
Wednesday 19 August 2026 20:16, UK
Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle says the club are aligned on the need for "adjustments" to the squad in the final few weeks of the summer transfer window.
It has been another turbulent summer for the Magpies, losing key players like Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon as well as Eddie Howe's departure.
The club has focused on bringing in young talent to replace their outgoing stars, with new boss Jaissle also recently landing one of his former players, Amar Dedic, from Benfica. "We will count on him," he said.
And when asked how many more he might like through the door, the German was non-committal, telling Sky Sports News: "I would love to answer that with a clear number, but it's depending also if players are leaving as well.
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"For sure, there will be adjustments made, the needs are clear. The management knows about the needs and we are all aligned.
"We will use the remaining time [in the transfer window] in the best possible way, but also we trust the players who are already here."
Jaissle does not seem overawed by the task at hand - including the rebuilding of a club who see themselves as top four contenders.
"I tried to not overthink beforehand," he explained. "I was aware of the challenge... and among such a journey there will always be stones among the path, but we need to get rid of them. We need to see the opportunities, the chance in all these things.
"This is something we mentioned already, and I feel that the players are committed towards these challenges in the transition period right now. I'm really optimistic for the future."
Four of Newcastle's seven summer signings are under the age of 21 - Sean Steur from Ajax is only 18 - and Jaissle has asked for time for them to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.
"You know that usually you need to have the adaptation time, therefore I said that you need to be patient with them and give them the time. It's always a process," he said.
"We should not give them too much pressure in the beginning. That's a goal from the club to work with young talents, to develop them and this is nice to see because that's a clear identity of the club.
"That's also the reason why I'm here because I'm used to working with young talents in my time in Salzburg and I also used to work with stars in Saudi Arabia, so it's a great fit and you can build on something."
Fans will be able to find out more about Jaissle and his new squad when Newcastle host Liverpool on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports - something of a baptism of fire for the 38-year-old who will have been at the club for three-and-a-half weeks when he steps out at St James' Park.
Reflecting on his time at the club so far, Jaissle added: "You are aware, like I am, that we need to fix things in a short amount of time.
"The timing was not ideal, but in football you cannot always have the perfect timing, so we need to do the best out of it.
"In a short amount of time, we need to be efficient, we need to implement the philosophy as much as possible, how the lads should enter the pitch and deliver the messages.
"They are doing an amazing job so far. They are really committed, they learn fast, but it will be a process.
"We are for sure not 100 per cent against Liverpool, but with the fans in the back, with the support from the stands, we can do special things here at St James' Park. I could feel that already in the friendly matches."
The match will also be a meeting of two former clubs of Kevin Keegan - the Newcastle and Liverpool legend who passed away over the summer. There are plans for a series of tributes to the former forward before the game.
Jaissle added: "With the tributes, it's already a special game. It will be an outstanding atmosphere. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it so I can't wait."
Watch Newcastle vs Liverpool on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports, from 4pm; kick-off 4.30pm.
