Jaissle's tactics look good on paper but are dangerous on the pitch

Matthias Jaissle's tactical philosophy looks impressive on paper. Shaped by Ralf Rangnick's influence at Hoffenheim, matured at Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, and adapted to new conditions at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, this approach is built on a vertical and aggressive style of play. Rather than using the wide areas, the team centres its play around midfield, forcing opposing goalkeepers and defences to attempt risky passes.

The problem is that this approach comes at a heavy cost on the pitch. The full-backs and central midfielders stay high up the field, so transitions happen 40 to 50 metres from the opponent's goal. When a mistake is made, the space behind is left wide open. Leeds, Coventry and Everton were able to get past the Newcastle defence with just two simple passes. One of the passes in the Everton match also came from Jordan Pickford.

In attack, Newcastle present a picture of a side that troubles its opponents but fails to make the most of its chances. They start the match quickly, then the tempo drops. Opponents have figured out the pattern: first they tire the side out, then they move quickly into the space left in Newcastle's half.

Several moments in the Everton match clearly showed these problems. Fabian Schar's run into space after Jacob Ramsey's pressure, Dan Burn being left one-on-one with Thierno Barry, and Nico Gonzalez following Hayden Hackney when he dropped back, leaving midfield to Ramsey, all drew attention. Tyler Dibbling's pass under pressure and Merlin Röhl's poor decision brought Everton back into the game.