Soccer <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Jaissle’s tenure in charge of the Magpies began with a 2-1 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 the first a composed finish following a high turnover and the second a tap-in from Bazoumana Toure’s square pass.<\/p>\n
At full-time, Jaissle’s first feeling was relief after hearing his medical staff’s positive assessment of Elanga’s condition.<\/p>\n
“It was a shocking challenge, that’s right. I was in fear, definitely,” he told the club’s website.<\/p>\n
“But now I’m more relaxed because the medical department are almost showing green lights that it’s nothing serious.\u00a0We are blessed. Hopefully he can be back\u00a0next week.”<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
\n“Anthony seems to be okay, that\u2019s the most important thing tonight, that there is no serious injury as it looks right now. So, a good end to the camp.”<\/p>\n
Matthias Jaissle provides a positive update on Anthony Elanga \u00a0pic.twitter.com\/iu5iTo7h0Q<\/a><\/p>\n