Newcastle United's new head coach, Matthias Jaissle, has said he will not tone down his animated touchline demeanour despite acknowledging it could put him at odds with Premier League referees. Speaking at his first extended news conference since taking charge earlier this month, the 38-year-old German described himself as calm off the pitch but "emotional" during matches, and admitted he is "a bit scared" about how officials will react, joking he hopes they might "close their eyes here and there" while he adapts.

Jaissle, who previously won back-to-back Asian Champions League titles with Al-Ahli and also managed RB Salzburg, said his intensity as a manager mirrors his combative approach as a player before a knee injury ended his career at 25. He also outlined ambitions to restore St James' Park as a fortress after Newcastle lost seven home league games last season under Eddie Howe, who left last month having won the EFL Cup in 2025. The squad have already been working under his intense, front-footed methods during a pre-season training camp in Spain, which included a 2-1 win over Valencia.