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Who is Matthias Jaissle? Philosophy, Trophies & All You Need to Know

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Matthias Jaissle has quickly emerged as one of the most highly-rated young coaches in world football, building an impressive reputation despite still being in his thirties.

After making his name in the Red Bull coaching system and enjoying success with RB Salzburg, the German tactician has continued his rise with Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, where his attacking philosophy and ability to manage elite talent have attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Known for his high-intensity pressing, tactical flexibility and calm leadership, Jaissle has earned praise for developing young players while also delivering major honors. His rapid ascent through the coaching ranks has seen him linked with several high-profile managerial vacancies, particularly after Eddie Howe’s departure from Newcastle United, underlining his growing reputation as one of football’s brightest minds.

Matthias Jaissle Coaching Philosophy, Influences & Tactics

Al-Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle in the dugout

Coaching Philosophy:

High-pressing, Direct

Influences:

Ralf Rangnick, Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Roberto De Zerbi

Preferred Formation(s):

4-4-2, 4-3-1-2, 4-2-3-1

Given that the Al Ahli coach started his managerial life at FC Liefering, a reserve team for Red Bull Salzburg, Jaissle deploys a similar tactical setup to those utilised by other Red Bull teams and coaches, such as Ralf Rangnick and Jesse Marsch, with heavy emphasis on high pressing and direct play.

In 2024, he also revealed Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Pep Guardiola and Roberto De Zerbi to be influential coaches in the development of his coaching philosophy, which he acknowledges is constantly evolving.

“In the next few years, I’m sure there will be a different coach to draw inspiration from. It’s not about copying other coaches, it’s just about being inspired by them.”

During his time in Austria, the German coach would often opt for a narrow 4-4-2 or 4-3-1-2 formation when out of possession. This is used to create a compact and balanced defensive structure, minimizing the opposition’s ability to play between the lines or down the channels. This system also allows for rapid ball progression in the cases where it is turned over as a result of high pressing.

When building from the back, RB Salzburg would often adapt their shape into a 3-2-5, whereby the deep-laying midfielder slots into the back line, and the No. 10 drops into the midfield. This then gives permission for the full-backs to press higher up the pitch, out-numbering defenders and allowing for swift passing and movement in the attacking third.

Jaissle’s Al Ahli side often set up in a 4-2-3-1, but still builds up with a 3-2-5 or 2-3-5. Speaking to Sky Sports, however, he explained that it’s less about specific formations and more about his side’s’ footballing principles, saying:

“It is not about formations that much. It is more how you want to play, how you want to attack, how you want to defend. If you understand that and the players understand that, tactically, you are much more flexible and the formation is not that important.”

During his time at RB Salzburg, Jaissle oversaw the development of multiple Premier League stars, including Leeds United duo Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor, as well as Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko and Barcelona’s new forward, Karim Adeyemi.

Trophies Won by Matthias Jaissle

Matthias Jaissle Al Ahli 2025 REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari via Action Images

Although Jaissle only took his first head coach role in early 2021, the German has accumulated an impressive trophy haul across his five-years in management. His first season in charge of RB Salzburg saw him win the domestic double, winning the league title and the Austrian Cup, whilst also leading his side to the Champions League knockout phase for the first time in the club’s history. The following season, he won back-to-back league titles by winning the 2022/23 Austrian Bundesliga.

Having been released by Salzburg just one day before the start of the 2023/24 season, Jaissle was appointed as the manager of the newly-promoted Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. After overseeing a third-placed finish, and, in turn, qualification to the Asian Champions League, in his first season with the club, the German coach then went on to win both the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Super Cup the following season. Jaissle then added his most recent trophy to his list of honors, by winning back-to-back Asian Champions Leagues, becoming the first manager to ever do so.

Jaissle was also awarded the Saudi Pro League Manager of the Month award in April 2025, after his Al Ahli side failed to lose a single game that month, picking up ten points from five matches.

Club

Competitions Won

Red Bull Salzburg

Austrian Bundesliga (2021/22, 2022/23)

Al-Ahli

Saudi Super Cup (2025), AFC Champions League Elite (2024/25, 2025/26)

Matthias Jaissle’s Playing Career

FC Red Bull Salzburg v Sevilla FC

Matthias Jaissle’s youth career saw him come through the academy of VfB Stuttgart, where he built a close relationship with current England boss Thomas Tuchel, who was a youth coach for Stuttgart at the time. Jaissle was capped by Germany at Under-21 level, before moving to TSG Hoffenheim, who played in Germany’s third tier of football in January 2007.

Playing as a centre-back, Jaissle’s contribution to his side’s efforts saw Hoffenheim experience back-to-back promotions, with their 2007/08 season being the club’s first in professional football. Unfortunately, the German was forced into retirement in 2014, aged just 25, due to injury. In total, Jaissle made just 60 appearances for Hoffenheim, netting twice.

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Everton Preparing Bid for Man Utd Star Ethan Wheatley

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Everton are preparing a bid to sign Manchester United forward Ethan Wheatley, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Toffees have had a good window so far, bringing in Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough before turning the loans of both Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George permanent. But David Moyes is still keen to strengthen the attack more after disappointing campaigns from Beto and Thierno Barry last time out.

Now, the club have turned their attention to Old Trafford for a highly-rated young striker, as they look for alternatives to their current options.

Everton Prepare Wheatley Bid

wheatley-united

Writing on his X account, Romano has revealed that the Merseyside club are showing a strong interest in the Man Utd youngster, and a formal bid is being prepared.

“Everton are interested in Man Utd talented striker Ethan Wheatley,” he wrote.

“Everton preparing a proposal to make formal approach with Man Utd soon for the 20-year-old forward.”

Wheatley has made three Premier League appearances for Man Utd, coming on as a substitute against Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, and Arsenal during Erik Ten Hag’s reign as manager.

Since then, the 6ft 2 forward has had loan spells at Walsall, Northampton Town, and Bradford City, but he has struggled to make a big impact at any of those clubs, registering just three goals in 40 appearances for those three clubs.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Everton Move for Wheatley is Odd

Everton manager David Moyes
Premier League – Everton v Arsenal – Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, Britain – December 20, 2025 Everton manager David Moyes looks dejected after the match REUTERS/David Klein

It’s very clear that Everton need new additions in attack this summer if they want to start climbing the Premier League table. Beto has managed just 25 goals in 111 appearances over three seasons for the club, while last summer’s big signing Barry managed just eight goals in his debut season in 41 appearances.

With Jack Grealish having returned to Man City, and star forward Iliman Ndiaye being heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, they are likely to be even shorter of creativity and quality in the final third.

But Wheatley is a 20-year-old forward with limited first-team experience, so it’s hard to see how adding him to the first-team picture would help solve that issue. He clearly has talent, as his youth record shows, but it doesn’t always translate, and Everton must ensure they don’t overspend on this deal.

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Tottenham Fans Make Andy Robertson Feelings Clear After Display v Chelsea

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Andy Robertson made his first start for Tottenham Hotspur as they beat Premier League rivals Chelsea in their Sydney Super Cup clash on Saturday.

Roberto De Zerbi fielded a strong Spurs XI for the match at Accor Stadium. New signings Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali all featured, as did Conor Gallagher, Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel.

Tottenham managed to come away with the victory despite being reduced to 10 men early in the second half.

Tonali gave Spurs the lead in the 17th minute, only for Esteavo to restore parity four minutes later. Kevin Danso was shown a red card for dragging down Joao Pedro when he was through on goal minutes after the restart.

However, Chelsea couldn’t make their advantage count and Spurs won the match with virtually the last kick of the game when Richarlison tapped home.

Andy Robertson Makes First Tottenham Start

 Tottenham Hotspur's Andy Robertson and Archie Gray applaud fans after the match REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Robertson made his first appearance for Spurs a few days ago when he starred in their penalty shootout victory vs Sydney FC. The 32-year-old, who entered the fray in the second half, was praised by Spurs fans for his performance.

The former Liverpool full-back was named in Spurs’ starting lineup for the first time against Chelsea. He struggled against the Blues, though.

The veteran defender was at fault for Estevao’s equaliser. He switched off at the back post, allowing Estevao to head home from close range.

Robertson nearly cost his side another goal in the second half. His mistake gave Joao Pedro a golden opportunity to give his side the lead, but Antonín Kinský spared this blushes.

The Scotsman was subbed off in the 72nd minute. FlashScore gave him a rating of just 5.3/10, making him the worst player on the pitch.

Tottenham Fans Give Andy Robertson Verdict

Andy Robertson Peter Cziborra via Reuters

Spurs fans have slammed Robertson on social media for his display. One fan said: “Bit of a reality check to anyone that thought we’d signed 2023 Andy Robertson. A good addition to the squad but not our best LB by any means,” while another commented: “Andy Robertson looks poor. Really think signing him, instead of upgrading at left back, was a mistake.”

A third said: “Robertson will go down as one of the worst signings this club has ever made”, while a fourth stated: “Robertson a complete liability as expected. Don’t care if he offers ‘experience’.”

“Robertson is maybe done at this level. Wtf is he doing?” A fifth wrote, while a sixth stated: “Very impressed by all bar Robertson, who’s completely washed up.”

A Liverpool supporter who was watching the match even chimed in, saying: “Andy Robertson showing why he was let go… A great left-back in his day, but his best days are long gone.”

Tottenham are next in action on Saturday, August 8, when they take on La Liga side Getafe at Hotspur Way. They begin their Premier League campaign against Brentford on August 22.

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Arsenal Must Swoop For ‘Spectacular’ Real Madrid Teammate

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While Arsenal are dreaming of signing Vinicius Junior a more realistic attacker who can lead the line for the next decade is staring them right in the face.

The Gunners are exploring a potential deal for Vinicius and have reportedly been in contact with the player’s entourage. The Emirates is reportedly deemed a ‘compatible destination’ for the Real Madrid star should he not agree on a contract extension with the La Liga club.

Vinicius is one of world football’s best wingers and enjoyed a meteoric rise after joining Madrid at the age of 16. He is a talisman at the Estadio Bernabeu and many assumed a similar future had been in store for one of his teammates.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Arsenal Should Turn to Vinicius Teammate

Endrick (Brazil) REUTERS/Mike Segar

When Endrick arrived in the Spanish capital, his stock was sky-high after impressing in Brazil with Palmeiras. Madrid won the race to sign the then-18-year-old who is the fourth-youngest player to represent his national team.

Fast forward two years and Endrick’s future is in doubt having struggled for first-team opportunities at the Bernabeu. He spent the second half of last season on loan at French club Lyon and he got back to his best with eight goals and as many assists in 21 games.

Spanish journalist Alberto Pereiro of Radioestadio Noche reports that Endrick’s situation at Madrid has become “very complicated” and “mildly impossible to stay for the 2026-27 season.”

That will undoubtedly alert some of Europe’s top clubs and Arsenal should be on the case if the La Liga giants are looking to sell. He is one of world football’s most exciting youngsters who is clearly facing an uphill battle for a place in Jose Mourinho’s team.

While signing a new winger has been a priorty for Arteta, there is a clear need to think about a long-term number nine. Viktor Gyokeres encountered a topsy-turvy start to life at the Emirates and the 28-year-old hasn’t managed to nail down a starting berth.

Arsenal were reportedly interested in signing Endrick back in May and made an enquiry over bringing him to North London. It’s a much more achievable deal than Vinicius and the other forward they are chasing.

Go For Endrick Over Expensive Alvarez

julian alvarez-1

Julian Alvarez’s name keeps coming up as a potential option for the North Londoners, but Atletico Madrid are expected to demand over £100 million for the Argentine forward. Signing Alvarez will jeopardise Gyokeres and Kai Havertz’s game time as he’ll want to be an undisputed starter.

Endrick, dubbed “spectacular”, is still young and can develop into a world-class striker to be the focal point of the Gunners’ attack for years to come. He is also versatile, able to play out wide if required, and that will suit Arteta, who needs more options in his frontline.

Chasing Vinicius is admirable and speaks volumes of the Premier League champions’ ambition. But a contract extension seems the most likely outcome given his known desire to stay at the Bernabeu and turning to Endrick would be a perfect outcome.

Endrick is the type of signing that can help Arteta build for the future and continue to dominate English football. While it just hasn’t worked out for him at Madrid, a move to the Emirates could be ideal for both the player and the club.

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