Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson has called new head coach Matthias Jaissle a "rock star" with "no ceiling on where his career could go."
The German was appointed on Wednesday following the departure of Eddie Howe after five years at the club, a move which Hopkinson said marked the beginning of his "Newcastle 2.0" project.
"We had a clear set of criteria of what we want from the manager that succeeds Eddie. MJ [Matthias Jaissle] fits every one and exceeds others that we hadn't even contemplated. This guy's a born winner," Hopkinson told The Athletic.
David Hopkinson was named Newcastle United CEO in September 2025. Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images "I'm not going to tell you what he's going to do at Newcastle because that story is still to be written.
"But let me tell you what he's done. He's won six pieces of silverware in his young managerial career. He is high-impact. He is high-energy. He has a clear vision of what it takes to win.
"I have had the privilege of working with some extraordinary managers and coaches, Eddie being one, and this young man has no ceiling on where his career could go."
Hopkinson added: "I have every confidence MJ is the right man to lead us into the future and build on everything Eddie has done for this club. This guy is really impressive. This guy is fire. He is a rock star."
Matthias Jaissle has succeeded Eddie Howe as Newcastle head coach. Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images Hopkinson thanked Howe -- who he called "the architect, the leader, the author of Newcastle 1.0" -- for his tenure at the club.
"I'm still checking in on him because I really care about him," Hopkinson said.
"I think he's going through a difficult period because of how much love he has for this club, but he's made a really admirable decision to recognise that it's time for a new voice, a new tone and a new leader.
"The guy is such a professional and he cares about this club so much that he said: 'Please look for my replacement. But until then I'm here giving 100%.'"
- Newcastle name Matthias Jaissle as Eddie Howe's replacement - Arsenal agree deal with Newcastle to sign Guimarães - sources
Newcastle have endured a turbulent summer, with Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali also departing the club to join Barcelona and Tottenham, respectively. Sources have also told ESPN that the club have agreed a deal with Arsenal for captain Bruno Guimarães to join the Premier League champions.