Newcastle United looked a more well-oiled outfit against Fulham at the weekend, but Matthias Jaissle’s side still left plenty to be desired as they slipped down to 11th place in the Premier League.
This was promised as a transitional campaign for the Magpies, understandably so. St. James’ Park’s superstar quality was stripped away this summer, and Eddie Howe‘s decision to step down was always going to rock a boat already in choppy waters.
The ‘Jaissle Out’ brigade is already gaining steam, but it’s unlikely PIF will prematurely slam down such a trigger any time soon. That said, Christmas is a long way away.
Why Newcastle may sack Jaissle before Christmas
Newcastle have been a mixed bag this season, starting the campaign defiantly with a hard-earned draw against Liverpool, then beating Tottenham Hotspur away from home in the Premier League.
But hard truths have since been raised regarding the Magpies, who have been toothless in attack and spineless when defending in tough conditions. One of the Premier League’s least creative outfits this season, Newcastle have also struggled to shut up shop.
It’s deeplyu concerning that correspondent Craig Hope has recently revealed that Newcastle players are confused by their roles in Jaissle’s system – and what exactly the young tactician is asking of them on the pitch. Certainly, this is reflected by what we see each week in the Premier League.
Jaissle will expect a bit more time to turn things around, but there’s no denying the international break offers an opportunity for PIF to bite the bullet and force a change at an opportune moment.
Who Newcastle could appoint
Let’s say Jaissle is sacked before Christmas. Should that happen, Newcastle need to be ready, convinced that the coach they draft in has what it takes to effectively replace the German.
Look at Crystal Palace, who have sacked Pierre Sage after a dreadful start to the campaign. Already, Thomas Frank is closing in on the job, and there’s a case to be made that he would have been perfect at the St. James’ Park helm.
Going on the basis that
x
x
Newcastle must appoint Eddie Howe regen
Funnily enough, if Howe was available and had never managed Newcastle, he would be head and shoulders above the other contenders as the man to take the reins on Tyneside.
|
Newcastle’s Premier League Journey with Eddie Howe |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Points |
Position |
|
25/26 |
49 |
12th |
|
24/25 |
66 |
5th |
|
23/24 |
60 |
7th |
|
22/23 |
71 |
4th |
|
21/22 |
49 |
11th |
But that’s fanciful thinking, and if Newcastle hope to capture that same spark which led them to title-winning success under the Englishman, Julian Nagelsmann might be the perfect pick.
Nagelsmann is still only 39, but he has managed the best of the best in Germany, also taking the reins for the national team, leaving his post after a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Of course, this means Nagelsmann is currently available, and with Howe the leading contender to take over at Manchester United if INEOS decide to sack Michael Carrick, perhaps Jaissle’s compatriot would be willing to take the reins at Newcastle.
Nagelsmann’s sagacious tactical mind and his experience aty the highest level could see him thrive with the reins on Tyneside. Newcastle have top-class quality within their ranks, to be sure, but Jaissle’s ‘uncertain’ tactics are clearly not bringing the best out of the expensive crop of players.
Nagelsmann has never tried his hand in England, but he speaks fluent English and has cemented a reputation as the “best young coach in Europe“, noted by reporter Josh Bunting, and that is illustrated by his success in his homeland, winning the Bundesliga with Bayern and raising standards with Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig.
A project manager, Nagelsmann could build an illustrious new chapter at Newcastle, serving as the perfect succession plan following Howe’s departure, Jaissle being something of a middleman.
Ultimately, Newcastle gambled when appointing a fresh and innovative new managerial voice in Jaissle. Perhaps, had Howe left with the Toon in a stronger and more coherent state, he might have succeeded.
But it’s damning indeed that players are confused about the 38-year-old’s tactical vision: what it stands for and how to implement it. Time is running out, and if PIF want to maintain their youthful strategy, Nagelsmann would be the perfect man to take the reins.
