Matthias Jaissle has spoken about the serious knee injury that ended his playing career at 25, saying it taught him to view setbacks as opportunities and ultimately shaped the outlook he now brings to his new role as Newcastle United head coach. He was appointed just weeks before the season began, following Eddie Howe's departure and the exits of key players including Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, but insists he will offer "no excuses" despite the difficult timing and squad turnover.

Newcastle have made six signings this summer — Lukas Hornicek, Ewen Jaouen, Amar Dedic, Sean Steur, Aladji Bamba and Bazoumana Toure — all aged 24 or under, though Jaissle says further additions are likely before the transfer window closes on 1 September. He has held private conversations with predecessor Howe, praising him as "a great human being" as well as a great manager, and says he wants his side to prove doubters wrong in the Premier League after finishing 12th last season.