Matthias Jaissle praised Matias Fernandez-Pardo as an “amazing player” despite the Newcastle United forward’s struggles in front of goal against Coventry City.
Newcastle’s first game back following the international break proved a chastening one as they lost 4-1 to newly promoted Coventry City.
The Magpies dominated possession and had 19 shots on goal, but were guilty of a series of errors in their own box and a lack of precision in the final third as they missed the opportunity to go fourth in the Premier League.
Fernandez-Pardo, a £51million signing from Lille on transfer deadline day, produced a profligate display as he waits for his first goal for the club.
The Belgium international inexplicably dummied a Jacob Murphy near-post cross instead of going for goal with Newcastle in the ascendancy at 1-0 down, and then saw two potential equalisers cleared off the line by Coventry defender Bobby Thomas.
Jaissle: Newcastle forward needs goal for confidence
But Jaissle, who himself has been the subject of criticism in the wake of a hugely disappointing result, was encouraged by Fernandez-Pardo’s success in getting into positions for shots on goal.
“Young lads coming to the Premier League for the first time need that adaptation time. I got advice that I should be patient at least half a year with them,” Jaissle told a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Aston Villa.
“Of course, you don’t have the time in the Premier League so the development and adjustment needs to be as fast as possible.
“I’m glad we’re already seeing him in the situations that’s he bringing the principles on the pitch. He’s creating the chances and I think it’s just a goal missing to give him the confidence back. He’s an amazing player and he has so much potential.”
Newcastle received good news on the injury front, with Bazoumana Toure expected to be in the squad for the Villa game despite the Ivorian going off with an injury late on against Coventry.
Jaissle indicated midfielder Joelinton will be fit enough to start after coming off the bench on Monday, though it is likely to be too soon for captain Dan Burn to do the same.
Anthony Elanga (hamstring) and Jacob Ramsey (thigh) are set to return to training next week, though Newcastle are being more cautious with right-back Tino Livramento, who missed the win over Hull City before the international break and has not returned having pulled out of the England camp for their UEFA Nations League matches.
On Elanga, Jaissle said: “Unfortunately, he’s been out for many, many weeks. Now, it’s the process is to bring back him back slowly but surely in a smart way and not too much in a hurry.
“Hopefully, next week, he is about to train again with the group, at least partially and we then integrate him again step-by-step. We miss him a lot. I can’t wait to have him back in the squad.
“With Tino, we need to be cautious and we don’t rush him. We know about his injury situation and history but we’re optimistic in the next few weeks we can bring him back step by step.
“With JJ, it’s a bit different. He’s making progress. Hopefully next week, he can join in partially in training and then we can build it from there.”
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