Matthias Jaissle has given Newcastle United supporters plenty to smile about during the international break.
The Magpies head coach sat down for an official online Q&A with season ticket holders and members this week.
In one of the most warmly received answers, he named two club legends he would love to slot straight into his current side.
Jaissle’s Instant Dream Pairing
When a supporter asked which players from Newcastle’s rich history he would take and place into today’s team, Jaissle did not hesitate.
He chose all-time leading goalscorer Alan Shearer and the late Kevin Keegan.
The German coach highlighted Keegan’s special connection through the two Ballon d’Or awards he won while starring at Hamburg.
Both icons would immediately solve the ongoing debate over the No.9 and No.10 roles at St James’ Park.
Injuries have forced Jaissle to reshuffle his attacking options repeatedly this season.
A settled frontline has proved elusive so far, making the hypothetical addition of two such prolific talents especially appealing.
Why These Names Resonate So Strongly
Shearer remains the gold standard for Newcastle strikers.
His record of 206 goals for the club still stands unmatched and continues to inspire every generation of Magpies fans.
Keegan, meanwhile, embodied the attacking flair and belief that defined some of the club’s most exciting eras both as a player and later as manager.
Jaissle’s choice shows a clear understanding of what the club and its supporters value most.
It is not just about goals or assists.
It is about the identity and passion those two men represented in black and white.
Approachable Boss Builds Bridges
The Q&A formed part of a wider effort by Jaissle to connect with the Newcastle community.
Earlier in the week he invited local journalists to the training ground for an informal meeting.
The aim was simple: get to know the media better and show an open, approachable side during the international break.
Newcastle do not return to competitive action until 12 October.
That three-week window has given the head coach valuable time to settle further into his surroundings on Tyneside.
Supporters have responded positively to the transparency and warmth he continues to display.
Solid Start Despite Difficult Circumstances
Jaissle also used the Q&A to reflect on the team’s progress so far.
He told fans he is pleased with the start to the campaign.
“I think we’re really pleased with the start. We’re happy so far, especially considering all the circumstances,” he said.
The German was careful to place the results in context.
“We joined as a coaching staff the club really late in the transfer window in summer, so we didn’t have so much time to work with the players in the preseason in the end. Now just remember the Hull match.”
That 2-1 victory over Hull City at St James’ Park came after a heavy 4-1 defeat at Leeds United and underlined the side’s character.
Injuries have been a constant theme.
“We had many, many injuries where we suffered, so this transition period along with the injured players was giving us a hard time and big challenges,” Jaissle explained.
“But we survived that quite good. We overcame these challenges and therefore I always say like the overall picture is great. It was a good start but still with potential to improve.”
League Position Reflects Progress and Challenge
Newcastle currently sit ninth in the Premier League table with eight points from five matches.
Their record reads two wins, two draws and one defeat, with a goal difference of zero.
That places them level on points with Hull City and just behind a cluster of sides on nine points.
The campaign began with a dramatic 2-2 home draw against Liverpool.
A clean-sheet victory away at Tottenham followed, before another 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth.
The only defeat came in that tough trip to Leeds, but the response against Hull showed real resilience.
Jaissle’s side have also progressed in the Carabao Cup, adding further positive momentum.
Yet the injury list remains a major concern heading into the October fixtures.
Several key attackers and defensive options have been unavailable for significant periods, forcing the coach to rely on younger or less experienced squad members.
Tactical Identity Taking Shape
Those familiar with Jaissle’s previous work recognise the high-intensity, vertical style he is trying to instil.
Quick transitions, aggressive pressing and a clear attacking intent form the foundation of his approach.
The early results suggest the squad is beginning to adapt, even if consistency remains a work in progress.
The absence of a settled No.9 and No.10 combination has been particularly noticeable.
Shearer’s clinical finishing and Keegan’s creative spark would, in theory, have offered the perfect solutions to those roles.
Fans on social media and in supporter forums quickly seized on the comment as proof that the new head coach “gets” the club.
Many noted the German connection with Keegan as a nice personal touch.
Others simply appreciated the respect shown to two of the greatest names in Newcastle history.
The reaction has been almost universally warm, helping to strengthen the early bond between manager and supporters.
Looking Ahead to Coventry and Beyond
The international break ends with a trip to Coventry City on 12 October.
Jaissle will hope several injured players can return to contention by then.
A stronger squad would allow him to implement his ideas with greater consistency and depth.
The head coach has repeatedly stressed that the overall picture remains positive.
Eight points from five games represents a respectable return given the late arrival of the coaching staff and the subsequent injury problems.
There is clear recognition, however, that further improvement is both expected and required.
Supporters will continue to watch closely how the attacking options develop once key personnel regain full fitness.
In the meantime, Jaissle’s willingness to engage directly with fans and honour the club’s past has landed well.
Naming Shearer and Keegan as his ideal historical additions has struck a genuine chord on Tyneside.
Building Something Sustainable
The early weeks of the season have shown both the promise and the difficulties of a period of transition.
A young squad, significant summer changes and a new coaching philosophy all take time to bed in.
Jaissle’s public comments suggest he is realistic about the challenges while remaining optimistic about the direction of travel.
His decision to prioritise connection with supporters and the local media during the break reflects a desire to build lasting relationships.
Those relationships matter at a club where the fanbase’s passion is central to everything.
By openly celebrating icons such as Shearer and Keegan, the head coach has shown he understands that culture.
As Newcastle prepare to resume Premier League action, the focus shifts back to the pitch.
Yet the goodwill generated by this latest Q&A will travel with the team to Coventry and beyond.
For Magpies supporters, hearing their new manager speak so positively about two of the club’s greatest ever figures has been one of the brighter moments of the international break.
It is the kind of comment that reminds everyone why the connection between Newcastle United and its history remains so powerful.
And it is the kind of comment that helps a new head coach earn the trust of a demanding but fiercely loyal support.