Matthias Jaissle: Newcastle start with friendly win under new manager
Newcastle United secured a 2-1 victory over Valencia in a pre-season friendly, marking the first win for new head coach Matthias Jaissle. Despite the win, the match saw forward Anthony Elanga suffer a shin injury, though it is not considered serious.
Why it matters
The transition to a new manager is a significant development for the club as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Matthias Jaissle joined Newcastle United from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli
Newcastle United reporter at Mestalla Stadium Published 9 August 2026, 00:23 BST It was a night which ended with Newcastle United lifting silverware, but there was certainly no danger of new head coach Matthias Jaissle getting carried away.
Not after defeating Valencia in his first pre-season friendly in charge at the Mestalla Stadium.
"We will not smash the locker room now and celebrate a lot," he said after the 2-1 Orange Trophy win. "We still have a lot to work on."
That was quickly apparent after Newcastle fell behind inside four minutes, following Filip Ugrinic's curling opener.
But Jaissle will have taken heart from his players' response in a feisty contest, not least after Anthony Elanga was stretchered off following a bad tackle from Jose Gaya, which earned the Spaniard a red card.
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