Newcastle fall to Leverkusen in Jaissle's first home game as Dedic transfer nears

Jaissle's first home match ends in defeat

Matthias Jaissle's first match in charge at St James' Park ended in a 2-1 pre-season defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, watched by a crowd in excess of 39,000. The 38-year-old German, who arrived from Al-Ahli in Jeddah after Eddie Howe's sudden departure at the end of July, saw his team fall behind after just 44 seconds when Ibrahim Maza curled a left-footed shot from outside the box past new goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. Newcastle equalised just before half-time through Malick Thiaw's header from an Anthony Elanga corner in the 44th minute, but Victor Boniface, who spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen and was long injured, came off the bench to score the winner in the 82nd minute, skipping past Sean Steur and firing into the bottom corner.

Squad overhaul and transfer needs

Newcastle have sold Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer, while signing four outfield players aged 20 and under from the continent plus 24-year-old goalkeeper Hornicek. Jaissle has repeatedly used the word "transition" to describe the state of his squad. Dan Burn, appointed captain, wrote in his programme notes that he felt he was joining a new club when he returned from holiday. Joelinton, named deputy captain, is injured and will miss the Premier League opener against Liverpool next Sunday. Jaissle said after the match that he was "not concerned" but made clear he expects incoming transfers.

“It's important that there will be something done in the transfer market. I think everyone is aligned on that.”

Newcastle are close to agreeing a deal with Benfica for 23-year-old right-back Amar Dedic, a Bosnia-Herzegovina international Jaissle previously worked with at FC Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg. The need is acute: Tino Livramento is only just returning to full training after a minor calf operation in June, and Jaissle cannot name two fit senior out-and-out wide defenders across the two weekend friendlies. Lewis Hall will be one of the first names on the teamsheet against Liverpool, while 17-year-old Mason Miley, who signed a senior contract this summer, started at right-back against Leverkusen. Jaissle praised the academy product.

“Mason's a young lad with the attitude we need; he has the right heart and the right quality.”

Kit clash and Leverkusen's preparation

A curious incident occurred midway through the first half when Newcastle abandoned their black and white home kit with blue trim because it clashed with Leverkusen's mint away shirt with a blue pattern. After a hydration break greeted with loud boos, the hosts emerged in their lilac third strip. For Leverkusen, under new coach Carles Martinez, the match was the final test of their pre-season. They had won their first five friendlies under Martinez before losing 1-2 to Nottingham Forest in the final phase of preparation. Facundo Medina, signed earlier in the week, Jarell Quansah and Exequiel Palacios all did not feature. Christian Kofane started up front instead of Patrik Schick, who had scored in each of the previous three tests. Leverkusen begin their competitive season in the DFB-Pokal first round at third-tier Wehen Wiesbaden.

What's next

Newcastle face Strasbourg at St James' Park on Sunday in their second friendly of the weekend, with Jaissle having split his squad across both matches. The Premier League opener against Liverpool follows next Sunday, eight days away, after back-to-back defeats against Everton and Leverkusen.