Shields Gazette

Matthias Jaissle and Robert De Zerbi disagreed on the outcome of Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United.

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Matthias Jaissle felt Newcastle United deserved their 2-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur - but Robert De Zerbi believes the result was “unfair”.

The Magpies and Jaissle are up and running in the Premier League this season after just two matches, following second goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa.

After opening the scoring in the opening-day draw against Liverpool last weekend, Elanga did the same at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the 62nd minute before Wissa added an all-important second 10 minutes later.

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Matthias Jaissle & Roberto De Zerbi disagree on result

Reflecting on the win, Jaissle said: “Really pleased, not only because of the goals we scored, also because of the performance they showed and how they were improving during a match. That gives me confidence and should give us confidence to be able to adjust things. That's what the lads showed, especially in the second half.

“It was really good in both phases, we even controlled the transition moments much better. Therefore I also think it was a well-deserved win.”

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While Jaissle thought it was a deserved win for his side, Spurs boss De Zerbi felt hard done by.

The Italian said: “Disappointed for the result because until the first goal we conceded, I think we played better than Newcastle. We lost ball possession in the first half because we didn't defend in the right way, the distance between the defenders and attackers was too big.

"We can improve in the defensive phases but today was an unfair result.

"At the beginning of the second half we had some chance to create the potential chances. We created many chances to score, we have to improve the last decision, because that will make a difference. At the end we are disappointed for the result and our fans. We are working to be a great team. When we become a team I think we can change the story of the last two seasons for Tottenham.

"We are working to be good on the pitch, if you believe in work and training then you have to improve day by day."

Newcastle United are set to face Sandro Tonali for the first time since his £100million move to Tottenham Hotspur.

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Sandro Tonali has backtracked on claims he spoke to Roberto De Zerbi before the end of last season.

Newcastle United fans were left stunned when the Tottenham Hotspur boss slipped up when speaking to reporters earlier this summer. De Zerbi claimed he expressed interest directly with Tonali before the Magpies faced West Ham United in May.

Tonali is claimed to have given the green light to commence Spurs talks as long as they stayed up. A meeting between the two took place in the midfielder’s home just two days after the campaign ended.

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Sandro Tonali backtracks

Speaking to Sky Sports, Tonali has claimed De Zerbi was simply “joking” with his initial message - and the contact did not become serious until later in the summer. He said: “The first time, he was joking, because he was really happy for last season. We started to speak a little bit later in the summer.

“Just one time, we met. Our town is so small, it's not very big. We met like friends. The first time we never spoke about football, so this was very good for me. We started to speak about football after five or six days. We spoke for 10 minutes, and after 10 minutes I decided to sign here, because he convinced me very quickly.”

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‘A family club’ - Sandro Tonali

Continuing the charm offensive - otherwise known as PR spin - Tonali also opened up about his love for Newcastle. He added: “Newcastle is really a family club. The people who work inside… there are a lot of people. The whole team is different. Full of energy, full of passion. All the people there are like a piece of the puzzle.

“Every person is important at the same time. If you are a kid, a manager, if you are the director, if you are a player… For us, it was a key to play the best game (in) every game. I said (I wanted) the best transfer for them because they deserve everything. They showed me what I really love.

“When I signed for Newcastle, just after eight games I was banned. They showed me love like my mum and dad. I said to my agent ‘I want the best deal for them’, because they deserve everything.”

Newcastle United visit Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday for their first Premier League away trip of the season.

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Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle admits Tottenham Hotspur’s signings this week have made it more difficult to prepare for the trip to North London on Saturday evening.

The Magpies and Spurs have both done business with Manchester City this week, with midfielder Nico Gonzalez moving to St James’ Park in a £50million deal, while winger Savinho and forward Omar Marmoush have arrived in the capital.

Savinho marked his £85million switch with a goal on his debut as Robert De Zerbi’s side beat Charlton Athletic 5-1 in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday. Gonzalez and Marmoush are expected to make their respective debuts this weekend.

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Both Savinho and Marmoush found the net against Newcastle last season, but the latter has been a particular thorn in United’s side, scoring seven of his 16 goals for Man City against them. The Egyptian has joined Spurs on an initial loan deal with a £60million obligation to buy next summer.

Matthias Jaissle on preparing for Tottenham Hotspur clash

“Difficult,” Jaissle said about preparing for the visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. “Especially when the opposition are constantly signing a lot of players, so many things can change then. That makes the preparation a bit more tricky, but we're already quite ahead, we're doing our best and have a clear picture of what to expect.

“But we need to also be honest: we will face a top, top team, they will fight for the top places in the table, for sure, with these signings, but it's a good challenge.”

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Will Nico Gonzalez start v Tottenham Hotspur

Jaissle has hinted that he could throw Gonzalez straight into his starting line-up, having done the same with Amar Dedic. The Bosnian right-back had been on Tyneside less than a week when he was he named in the team for the Premier League opener at home to Liverpool.

He trained with us and he looks sharp,” Jaissle said. “He is an option.

“It will take time and I cannot tell you how long it takes, but he's a smart player, he has huge potential and already brings so much quality in the squad. I think he will adapt fast into our system, into our way of playing.”

Newcastle United issue Tino Livramento injury update as full-back returns to training.

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Matthias Jaissle is taking no chances with Tino Livramento as the Newcastle United full-back nears a return from injury.

An injury-hit 2025/26 campaign for Livramento was compounded by his withdrawal from England’s World Cup squad. The 23-year-old suffered a calf injury in the week leading up to the tournament that ultimately required surgery.

After missing the whole of pre-season, Livramento was spotted back in training last week ahead of the Premier League opening day draw with Liverpool at St James’ Park, and has also been involved in preparations for the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.

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Newcastle United issue Tino Livramento injury update

But Jaissle admits he is in no rush to include the former Chelsea and Southampton right-back in his matchday squad, preferring to give him longer than he potentially needs.

“Step by step,” Jaissle said. “First of all, we're happy that he's back in training, now also fully integrated.

“He still follows some an individual programme, but sooner than later he's fully back in training and then we can talk about squad planning, when he will be able to be in a matchday squad, getting the first minutes.

“But again, step by step. He was long out and we want to take our time, learn out of the past also, giving him rather one week longer than shorter to have him then on a consistent basis.”

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Newcastle United new boy Amar Dedic hits the ground running

An excellent start to life at Newcastle for £30million signing Amar Dedic has eased the pressure on Livramento’s return at right-back.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international was thrown straight in against Liverpool before claiming two assists in the Magpies’ 3-2 Carabao Cup second round win over West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday.

What has undoubtedly help is Dedic has worked with Jaissle before at RB Leipzig and FC Liefering

“First of all, amazing that a player adapted so quickly,” said Jaissle. “It feels like he's already here for months, years actually.

“Also, how he interacts with the other players, that is so important because he joined us late, in a position where we really had need. Therefore we're pleased, really pleased and happy that he's here.”

Newcastle United are set to reunite with another former hero against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

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Harvey Barnes has promised “no niceness” when Newcastle United face Sandro Tonali this weekend.

Alexander Isak already faced the wrath of the Toon boo boys last Sunday. On that occasion, the hostile home support clearly affected the Swede, who also turned down a last-minute penalty to silence the critics.

Tonali will have the majority of the stadium on his side tomorrow but a 3,000-strong travelling contingent are expected to make their voices heard. Newcastle fans will roar on a Matthias Jaissle side on the road for the first time in the Premier League.

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Harvey Barnes on Sandro Tonali

Ahead of the clash, in-form winger Barnes - who bagged a brace on Wednesday against West Bromwich Albion - insisted Newcastle players will show no special treatment to their former teammate.

When asked if he is looking forward to facing Tonali, the 28-year-old said: "Yeah, definitely. We've had a great few years with him. He's on the other team for 90 minutes on Saturday, so there'll be no niceness on the pitch but afterwards there will be, 100 per cent. He's a familiar face and we know him well."

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Newcastle United in transition

Barnes remains fully aware that the Magpies are in transition this season but is preferring to take the positive approach. He added: "I think there's going to be a lot of clubs like that this year. We've got different things going on.

“Like I said there's different managers, different players coming in, there's a lot of clubs in the same boat, so you can't underestimate anyone. You've just got to go with it, with the preparation and a game plan to go and win, that's exactly what we'll do.

“It'll also be great to go and get our first (away) win there. But we'll just do all our prep, make sure we're ready to go and see what we're up against.”

Sandro Tonali faces Newcastle United for the first time since joining Tottenham Hotspur for £100million.

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Robert De Zerbi has confirmed Sandro Tonali will start against Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

The Italian midfielder started Spurs’ 3-0 Premier League opening day defeat at Brentford last weekend but was left out of the squad for their 5-1 Carabao Cup second round win over Charlton Athletic on Wednesday night.

In his post-match press conference, De Zerbi confirmed that Tonali is not injured and was instead working on his “physical condition” in preparation to start against his former club.

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Sandro Tonali will start against Newcastle United

"Sandro was in a plan to work with Marco Senesi yesterday, very strong, to improve their physical condition,” De Zerbi said. “Sandro has to work to feel better in terms of physical condition, but Saturday he will play in the first XI, without problems."

Tonali faces the Magpies for the first time since completing his £100million move to Spurs, and is expected to get a mixed reception from the travelling supporters.

Many were left disappointed at the 26-year-old’s decision to jump ship after supporting him through his 10-month betting ban, which he received just a few months after joining from AC Milan for £55million.

Tonali resumed playing at the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign and helped the club to end their 56-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup, as well as qualify for the Champions League, before leaving following last season’s 12th-place finish in the Premier League.

His agent, Giuseppe Riso, had publicly been drumming up interest in Tonali since January and despite name-checking the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, he joined Spurs, who have finished 17th in back-to-back Premier League seasons.

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Ahead of facing Newcastle, Tonali told Sky Sports: “A mix of emotions. I love the people there. With me, they were amazing. Every single day, from the first season.

“I think we were a little bit more nervous and tense, but I love all the people there. The crowd there, the stadium there, I think it's one of the most beautiful in England. My time there was amazing.

“When I signed for Newcastle, after eight games I was banned. They showed me love like my mum and my dad. I said to my agent that I wanted the best deal for them because they deserve everything.”

A long-term Newcastle United transfer target is attracting more Premier League interest this summer.

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Premier League clubs are monitoring a defender Newcastle United were previously claimed to be in pole position to sign.

Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini was identified by Newcastle as a potential transfer target last summer, but a deal never came to fruition. Back then, the Magpies had reservations over the Italy international’s pace and injury record, having played just eight matches during the 2024/25 campaign.

The 22-year-old’s injury troubles continued into the following campaign before he was able to get back to fitness and register 30 appearances in all competitions. After seemingly putting his injury troubles behind him, other Premier League clubs have now entered the conversation for Scalvini.

While sources in Italy have described Newcastle as being ‘at the forefront’ to sign Scalvini this summer, the Gazette understands that the club will likely stay clear of the defender once again. According to The Sun Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in the young defender, who has been valued at around £42million.

Atalanta have already done business with Chelsea already this summer with the £43million transfer of Marco Palestra and contact has reportedly been made regarding Scalvni. Tutto Atalanta claim the Serie A club will have to agree another major sale this summer after Ederson’s proposed move to Manchester United fell through.

As such, suggestions of a potential exit for Scalvini this summer have gathered momentum.

While sources close to Newcastle have played down a move for the player, the club could look to bolster their defensive options this summer following the departures of Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett so far this year without any external replacements brought in.

Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are both 34 and into the final years of their contracts at the club, while there are well-documented concerns over Sven Botman’s injury record. Malick Thiaw is the club’s only other established centre-back option, while options at full-back are also limited.

It’s less than a month until the transfer window closes for Newcastle and so far the club has signed two goalkeepers in Ewen Jaouen and Lukas Hornicek in addition to midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba and winger Bazoumana Toure.

Sandro Tonali made no secret of his desire to leave Newcastle United due to location.

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Sandro Tonali has sensationally admitted that he preferred to return to Italy than join Tottenham Hotspur.

Newcastle United supporters were stunned when the Italian - who spent 10 months of his St James’ Park career sidelined with a gambling ban - joined Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs finished 17th in the previous two campaigns but it soon became clear that he wanted to live in London.

Tonali ditched Newcastle and headed to Tottenham for £100million last month. He has now risked the ire of Spurs fans by suggesting his first choice was a return to Italy.

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‘We had decided’ - Sandro Tonali

“When you speak with a team, the first impression is a big thing and my impression was very positive,” Tonali said. “When you are happy after a 10-minute chat, it’s everything, everything is perfect.

“We had decided to come back to Italy but it was impossible for the money. England was our solution and we found the best solution in England… I understood after 10, 15 minutes that Tottenham would be my next team.”

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Sandro Tonali makes bold claim

Tonali also claimed that he tried his best to ensure Newcastle received a good end of the deal. He added: “I met there some of the best people for football. They love football. They live for football.

“When I decided to move, I said to my agent and to Ross Wilson that I wanted the best deal for Newcastle because they deserve everything. This is football. Sometimes you have to understand how everything can change in your life in five minutes."

Your next Newcastle United read: 5 priorities for new Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle

Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have expressed interest in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

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Nottingham Forest are reportedly leading the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

Newcastle United expressed interest last week and made a verbal offer worth around £46million. This was dismissed - with Spurs holding out for £50million despite paying £8million two years ago.

It is understood that Bergvall wants to leave to pursue regular first-team football. He started just 11 Premier League games last season - failing to complete a full 90 minutes despite Spurs’ struggles.

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Nottingham Forest nudge ahead

Forest are thought to be ahead of Newcastle, with the player recognising his increased game-time opportunities at the City Ground. The Tricky Trees have funds available after selling former Toon midfielder £116million to Manchester City.

Newcastle’s interest in Bergvall predates his time at Tottenham. However, it is unclear whether they will return with a concrete bid due to his price tag.

As reported by The Gazette, the Magpies are closing in on Monaco star Aladji Bamba. While not the same profile as Bergvall, he arrives alongside Sean Steur, negating the need to bolster the engine room.

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Newcastle United’s fresh priority

Elsewhere, the Magpies have also prioritised a full-back who can operate on both sides. After losing Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento remain the only first-team options.

Full-back is an area Newcastle have identified since the winter window. They have targets - but the transfer cards are being kept close to their chest at St James’ Park.

The internal feeling is that, when a target is leaked publicly and the saga drags on, the chances of finalising the deal diminish. Newcastle can sense when they are being played - Victor Munoz and Johan Manzambi were examples of that.

Patience is being urged as Toon officials work tirelessly to give Eddie Howe the tools for a successful season. Fans can watch the Magpies for the first time in pre-season when they face Gateshead this weekend.

The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United as the Magpies are linked with a move for a Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.

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Newcastle United’s efforts to replace Sandro Tonali have reportedly been delivered a blow after a Premier League rivals was named as the front-runner for one Magpies transfer target.

It has been a frustrating summer for the Magpies and they have a lot of work to do as they look to boost Eddie Howe’s squad in a bid to move on from a desperately disappointing season. As it stands, deals for Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, Ajax midfielder Sean Steur and Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure have been completed - but another goalkeeper, a full-back, a winger and at least one more midfielder are believed to be on the list of priorities for the final seven weeks of the transfer window.

The departure of Tonali to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur swelled the Magpies coffers by around £92.5m and that figure could reach £100m if all add-ons within the initial agreement are triggered. However, the sale of the Italy international, and questions over the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes, mean there is a need to strengthen the midfield ranks. Newcastle have reportedly been offered a chance to sign Spurs star Lucas Bergvall in recent weeks - but former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has claimed the appointment of Oliver Glasner means the Sweden international is more likely to move to Nottingham Forest over the coming weeks.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness said: "I actually see Forest coming out on top on this one. I think the manager at Forest will be the factor that will convince him to go there. Look, both clubs have got war chests in terms of the sales that they've done. Both clubs need to improve in those positions. But I've just got a feeling that Forest are going to be the ones that come out on top. I don't think there'll be any difference between the two of them. It'll be up to the player to decide. And from what I'm hearing, I think he's going to choose Forest."