Matthias Jaissle points to his neck, revealing a tumour diagnosed at age five derailed his playing ambitions. The Newcastle United head coach explains the experience taught him the importance of health and resilience. Jaissle visualised becoming a professional footballer and even earned a senior Germany call-up at 20 before a serious knee injury ended his career in 2014.
The setback left him in a dark place, but he credits those "wounds" for shaping his belief that overcoming obstacles makes a person stronger and more resilient. This perspective paved the way for his coaching career. After Ralf Rangnick invited him to an RB Leipzig training programme, Jaissle discovered a passion for the role.
He climbed the ladder with Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli before joining Newcastle. The 38-year-old faces a baptism of fire after Eddie Howe's departure, inheriting a squad in flux with key players departing. Despite a short pre-season and injury concerns, Jaissle has lost only one of his opening seven matches.
He remains convinced his vertical football style will "work anywhere," even as the team adapts to significant youth-led transition.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing