The winner who played for Tuchel – potential Newcastle boss Jaissle
Matthias Jaissle has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Eddie Howe as Newcastle United head coach, with Howe expected to leave after nearly five years. The 38-year-old German has built a successful managerial record in Austria and Saudi Arabia, and his high-pressing, attacking approach could suit Newcastle’s style and ambitions.
Jaissle won two Austrian league titles and an Austrian Cup with RB Salzburg, before guiding Al-Ahli to successive Asian Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026. Newcastle’s Saudi ownership may value his success in Saudi Arabia, while the club face a difficult rebuild after Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon departed, Bruno Guimaraes is attracting interest, and the team finished 12th last season.
- Jaissle is expected to replace departing Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.
- He has won major trophies in Austria and Saudi Arabia.
- Newcastle face a rebuild after several key player departures.
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Newcastle United are looking for a new manager after Eddie Howe is expected to leave the club following nearly five years in charge. The leading candidate is Matthias Jaissle, a 38-year-old German manager who has won major titles in Austria and Saudi Arabia.
Jaissle spent several years managing RB Salzburg in Austria, where he won two league titles and a cup. He then moved to manage Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, where he has achieved particular success, winning the Asian Champions League in consecutive years.
Newcastle's recent period has been challenging. The club has lost several key players and finished 12th in the league last season. The club's Saudi Arabian owners may be particularly interested in Jaissle given his recent success in Saudi football, and his attacking approach is seen as fitting with what Newcastle aim to achieve.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Jaissle’s record of winning league and continental trophies suggests he could bring a clear attacking identity and renewed momentum to a Newcastle side facing a major rebuild. His experience in Saudi Arabia may also help him navigate the club’s ownership context, while a high-pressing style could fit the team’s ambitions.
The case against
Replacing Howe with a less proven manager in a demanding Premier League rebuild carries substantial risk: success in Austria and Saudi Arabia may not translate to England, where the competition and scrutiny are different. With key players gone and others attracting interest, Newcastle may need continuity and deep knowledge of the league more than a change in approach.