From BBC Sport · · 1m 10s
Matthias Jaissle's life lessons
Newcastle coach Matthias Jaissle overcame childhood tumour to lead young team.
In brief
Newcastle coach Matthias Jaissle overcame childhood tumour to lead young team. Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle, who survived a tumour at age five, has led the club's youngest squad through early Premier League challenges. Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Tumour at five
Matthias Jaissle had a tumour when he was five years old, which left him unable to move his neck.
“I had a tumour when I was five years old”
Dream deferred
Jaissle, a former Hoffenheim defender, felt he was close to a senior call up to Germany but suffered a serious knee injury at age 20.
“He was just 20 at the time”
Career end
Jaissle retired from professional football in 2014 after his career was curtailed by the knee injury.
“he retired a few years later in 2014”
Coaching start
Ralf Rangnick invited Jaissle to RB Leipzig to sample coaching life behind the scenes after his retirement.
“Ralf Rangnick, his former manager at Hoffenheim, invited him on to a training programme at RB Leipzig”
Newcastle appointment
Jaissle became Newcastle United's head coach after Eddie Howe stepped down, with only three weeks to prepare for Liverpool's opening match.
“It was still a baptism of fire for the 38-year-old”
Team changes
Newcastle made eight signings, all aged 24 and under, shifting from an experienced squad to the youngest in the Premier League.
“Newcastle would end up making eight signings, they were all aged 24 and under”
Early results
Jaissle's team lost 4-1 to Leeds United in their first seven matches, but he remains confident in their potential.
“a chastening 4-1 defeat at Leeds United”
The takeaway
Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle, who survived a tumour at age five, has led the club's youngest squad through early Premier League challenges.
