Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle is set to meet with journalists this Thursday afternoon at the club’s Benton training complex, with his first Premier League match-day press conference coming ahead of Sunday’s encounter with Liverpool at St James’ Park.
This marks the first occasion since May that media representatives will gather at the club’s press facility. At that time, former head coach Eddie Howe delivered what would turn out to be his final pre-match media briefing of the 2025/26 campaign, prior to the season-closing fixture at Fulham—a session that unknowingly represented his last at the club.
Although Jaissle has engaged with reporters in La Manga, Valencia, and at St James’ Park throughout the summer months, Thursday will see him address the cameras at Benton for the inaugural occasion as the 2026/27 season’s commencement draws near.
Several matters await discussion, with the full-back’s fitness status prominent among them. Tino Livramento was spotted resuming training midweek, offering the Magpies a timely lift, though his availability for the Liverpool match remains uncertain. The defender, 23, has been sidelined since sustaining a calf problem during international service with England in June and has featured in no pre-season action. Dan Burn and Lewis Miley have each managed merely 45 minutes of competitive preparation, prompting questions about whether all three could potentially complete an entire match on Sunday.
Regarding transfers, the German coach will likely maintain his stance that such matters are resolved internally rather than through public forums. Amar Dedic completed his move earlier in the week as the club’s sixth major acquisition of the close season, presenting an opportunity for Jaissle to discuss reuniting with his former RB Salzburg defensive colleague on Tyneside. The pursuit of midfield reinforcements continues, particularly given the scarcity of natural options for the number 10 position within Jaissle’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Queries will also surround potential departures, including whether goalkeeper Nick Pope is edging toward resolving his future, if Joe Willock might complete a switch to Besiktas, and whether any promising youngsters who impressed during pre-season could depart on temporary deals.
Having sampled the St James’ Park atmosphere during the previous weekend, nothing rivals the intensity of Premier League competition. With Liverpool providing the opposition for the season’s opening fixture, Jaissle should gain a true appreciation of what the stadium can offer as a weapon, and questions will explore his anticipation of managing in front of a capacity crowd.
Alexander Isak’s return to Tyneside will inevitably attract attention, given the transfer dispute that predates Jaissle’s appointment. Sunday’s match marks the Swede’s first appearance at St James’ Park since his attempts to force a move to Anfield, and he is expected to face a hostile reception, with queries expected on how the atmosphere might be leveraged as an advantage.
The club announced commemorative plans for Kevin Keegan ahead of Sunday’s fixture, honouring their former player and manager following his passing last month. Jaissle, having previously discussed Keegan’s legendary status both on Tyneside and in Germany during his Hamburg days, will be invited to comment on the tribute arrangements.