Matthias Jaissle praised Matias Fernandez-Pardo as an “amazing player” despite the Newcastle United the striker’s struggles in front of goal against Coventry City.
Newcastle’s first game back after the international break was a stinging one as they lost 4-1 to newly promoted Coventry City.
The Magpies dominated possession and had 19 shots on target but were guilty of a series of errors in their own area and a lack of precision in the final third as they missed the chance to go fourth in the Premier League.
Fernandez-Pardo, a £51m signing from Lille on transfer deadline day, produced a cheeky display as he waited for his first goal for the club.
The Belgium international inexplicably faked a cross near Jacob Murphy’s post instead of going on goal with Newcastle 1-0 up, then saw two potential equals cleared off the line by Coventry defender Bobby Thomas.
Jaissle: Newcastle striker needs goal for confidence
But Jaissle, who himself has come under fire following a very disappointing result, was encouraged by Fernandez-Pardo’s success in putting himself in positions for shots on goal.
“Young people who come to the Premier League for the first time need this adaptation time. I received advice that I should be patient with them for at least half a year,” Jaissle. he said at a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Aston Villa.
“Of course, you don’t have time in the Premier League, so the development and adjustment has to be as quick as possible.
“I’m glad we’re already seeing him in situations where he’s bringing his principles on the pitch. He’s creating chances and I think he’s just one goal away from getting his confidence back. He’s an amazing player and has a lot of potential.”
Newcastle received some good news on the injury front, with Bazoumana Touré expected to be in the squad for the Villa game despite the Ivorian picking up a late injury against Coventry.
Jaissle indicated that midfielder Joelinton will be fit enough to start after coming off the bench on Monday, although it is likely to be too soon for captain Dan Burn to do the same.
Anthony Elanga (hamstring) and Jacob Ramsey (thigh) will return to training next week, although Newcastle are being extra cautious with right-back Tino Livramento, who missed the win over Hull City before the international break and has not returned after withdrawing from England’s UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Of Elanga, Jaissle said: “Unfortunately, he’s been out for many, many weeks. Now the process is to bring him back slowly but surely in a smart way and without too much of a rush.
“Hopefully, next week, he’ll be ready to train with the group again, at least partially, and then we’ll integrate him back step by step. We miss him a lot. I’m really looking forward to getting him back in the squad.
“With Tino, we have to be careful and not rush him. We know about his injury situation and his history, but we are optimistic that in the coming weeks we can get him back step by step.
“With JJ, it’s a little bit different. He’s making progress. Hopefully next week he can partially join training and then we can build from there.”