Newcastle boss Jaissle gives clear response as missed transfer target returns with Villa

Matthias Jaissle has praised Johan Manzambi but refused to dwell on Newcastle’s unsuccessful pursuit of the Aston Villa midfielder before Saturday’s meeting.

Manzambi visits St James’ Park after opening the scoring in Villa’s 6–0 Champions League win over Fenerbahce on Wednesday.

Newcastle pursued the Switzerland international during the summer, before he joined Unai Emery’s side. Jaissle, who subsequently replaced Eddie Howe, wants attention directed towards improving his own team.

“He is a really good player,” Jaissle said, in comments reported by The Northern Echo via Yahoo Sport.

“The pure focus is on our players.”

Jaissle addresses Johan Manzambi question

The Newcastle head coach declined to discuss whether he would have wanted Manzambi in his squad, stressing the work still required with the players available to him.

His side need a response after Monday’s 4–1 defeat at Coventry.

Manzambi, meanwhile, has made an encouraging start at Villa. As explored in our analysis of his attacking contribution, he supplied John McGinn’s assist against Brentford before his European goal.

Jaissle also backed Newcastle summer signing Sean Steur, praising his training performances while making clear that the teenager needs time to develop.

Steur impressed in the victory over Hull before the international break but did not feature at Coventry.

That leaves Jaissle with decisions over his own midfield as Newcastle prepare to face a player they once hoped to sign.

Newcastle against Aston Villa kicks off at 5.30pm BST on Saturday 17 October.