Jaissle Reveals Guimaraes Fate Was Set in Motion Before He Arrived
Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle has confirmed that a decision about Bruno Guimaraes' future was already made before he first met the club's departing captain. The 28-year-old midfielder is set to join Arsenal in a protracted £75m move after a breakthrough in discussions.
Guimaraes' Departure Leaves a Void
Jaissle briefly spoke to Guimaraes at the club's training camp in Spain earlier this week, but the emotional farewell to his team-mates and club staff had already begun. "I met him quickly, but the decision was already made," Jaissle said in his first meeting with reporters following his appointment as head coach.
A New Cycle Awaits Newcastle
Jaissle sees the club's rebuild as an opportunity to start a new cycle and mould a young, hungry side. He has been focused on coaching the players currently at his disposal on the training pitches, but Newcastle are working on further additions before the start of the season. The club have spent around £146m to date on several new signings, including goalkeepers Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen, midfielders Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur, and winger Bazoumana Toure.
A New Chapter for Jaissle
The 38-year-old manager has never experienced life in the Premier League before, but he is relishing the challenge ahead. "This is something I don’t have on my CV, but that’s normal in football," he said. "At one point it has to be your first step and I’m now at that moment after being successful in Saudi Arabia and Austria."
A Season of Transition
Newcastle have shifted policy this summer, targeting younger players on the Continent. The club's rebuild is set to continue with several new signings expected to join the team before the start of the season. Jaissle has warned that it could be a "tough season" with some "very challenging times ahead", but he is confident that the club will progress this season.
Newcastle start the new campaign against Liverpool at St James' Park on 23 August. The season ahead promises to be a challenging one for the Magpies, but Jaissle is confident that the club will come out stronger in the end.
Source: Joy Online
