Matthias Jaissle caught in the storm as Newcastle struggle without European fix

Panic building among fans as club visit Craven Cottage but head coach has resolute support of hierarchy

At least Matthias Jaissle has a sense of humour. “There’s a lot of storm at the moment,” reflected Newcastle’s head coach on Thursday. A wry smile suggested he was not referring to the north-east weather. Jaissle has seen his tactics, team selection, man management and entire philosophy rubbished in recent days but, on current evidence, appears to be holding his nerve. After all, it is not Jaissle’s fault that his appointment has coincided with supporters, players and directors struggling to adjust to life without Champions League involvement.

A disappointing 12th-place finish under Eddie Howe last season dictates that there are no more exciting trips to Barcelona, Paris and Marseille and, significantly, no much-needed boost to club finances. Indeed, Newcastle are finding life without last term’s continental fix so tricky that they travel to Fulham on Saturday with the disgruntled mindset of a passenger accustomed to flying business class who suddenly finds themselves stuck in a cramped, mid-row economy seat.

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