According to reports, Newcastle United’s squad have been left ‘confused’ about what head coach Matthias Jaissle has wanted from them this season.

Newcastle appointed Jaissle to replace former boss Eddie Howe following his shock exit from the Premier League club.

Jaissle felt like a pretty left-field appointment, but he is a highly-rated coach, and Newcastle made a strong opening to the 2026/27 campaign after a summer of wholesale changes.

However, the Magpies have struggled over the past couple of weeks and Jaissle is starting to come under pressure, with the club losing five of their last seven games in all competitions.

A portion of Newcastle’s supporters turned on Jaissle after Monday’s 1-0 home loss to Everton, and he indicated after the match that some of his players were going against his instructions.

Jaissle said: “It wasn’t the plan to shoot the long balls, it’s important to say that.

“If you just play long balls, it’s not the style Osula prefers and that was not the plan. We need to analyse this in depth, why we could not start the game how we planned. I’m responsible for that, to make it work.

“It was not good enough and it was not brave enough to penetrate the last line.”

Newcastle United squad ‘confusion’ over Matthias Jaissle revealed

Now, Newcastle reporter Craig Hope has revealed to The Daily Mail that players have been ‘confused by Jaissle’s instructions’ for matches.

It is said that the ‘squad remains supportive of Jaissle and there is a determination to get things right for the head coach’, with ‘senior players accepting there is a responsibility on them’.

Still, some players are seeking ‘clarity’ on what Jaissle wants them to do.

In response to Jaissle’s comments on not wanting to play “long balls”, the report said: ‘Sources also say Jaissle spoke to his players afterwards about their press not being what he wanted and their passing being too slow in the opposition half.

‘However, I have been told some players are unsure as to the playing style and strategy, and that has led to those in deep positions getting the ball forward as quickly as possible, invariably with a long pass. There are also some within the dressing room wondering why the team continues to play with a No 10 when they do not have a specialist in that position.’

This is not to say that Jaissle’s job is at risk, becuase talkSPORT have also reported that he is safe.

The report claims:

‘talkSPORT understands that Matthias Jaissle’s job at Newcastle United is under no immediate threat.

‘There have also been reports from a few sources about confusion from within the dressing room about Jaissle’s tactics. However, the Newcastle board appreciate that he arrived with just three weeks until the start of the season and is a long-term appointment.’