Soccer
Matthias Jaissle’s first game in charge of Newcastle United was marred by a “shocking challenge” that led to Anthony Elanga being carried off versus Valencia, but he was relieved to see the winger avoid serious injury.
Jaissle’s tenure in charge of the Magpies began with a 2-1 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday.
Newcastle fell behind to Filip Ugrinic’s left-footed curler in the fourth minute, but Valencia were reduced to 10 men when Jose Gaya jumped into a reckless challenge on Elanga, who left the pitch on a stretcher.
Jaissle’s players reacted to that incident with fury, but they recovered their composure to flip the game on its head with two second-half goals from Yoane Wissa – the first a composed finish following a high turnover and the second a tap-in from Bazoumana Toure’s square pass.
At full-time, Jaissle’s first feeling was relief after hearing his medical staff’s positive assessment of Elanga’s condition.
“It was a shocking challenge, that’s right. I was in fear, definitely,” he told the club’s website.
“But now I’m more relaxed because the medical department are almost showing green lights that it’s nothing serious. We are blessed. Hopefully he can be back next week.”
Newcastle have two more friendlies to play next week, versus Everton and Bayer Leverkusen, before they open their Premier League campaign against Liverpool on August 23.
“We will not smash the locker room now and celebrate a lot,” the German added. “Next week there are things we need to work on, definitely. But we did well in the camp and in the friendly win.”
“Anthony seems to be okay, that’s the most important thing tonight, that there is no serious injury as it looks right now. So, a good end to the camp.”
Matthias Jaissle provides a positive update on Anthony Elanga pic.twitter.com/iu5iTo7h0Q
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 8, 2026
Jaissle left goalkeeper Nick Pope – a key player under Eddie Howe – out of Saturday’s squad altogether, with new arrival Lukas Hornicek starting between the sticks.
Pope has been linked with a move elsewhere, and Jaissle did not rule out that prospect when asked about the 34-year-old’s non-involvement.
“I had a talk with Nick,” Jaissle said. “I really appreciate what he has done in his career so far.
“He knows exactly the situation right now, and we need to deal with it in the best possible way, but I always appreciate the player and the human being.”
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