The Premier League finally returns this weekend after what has felt like an incredibly long international break 

Newcastle travel to Coventry City on Monday 12 October for an 8pm kick-off, and I’m really looking forward to this one.

Yes, we’ve all missed watching Newcastle, but there’s another reason why this game feels particularly interesting.

What has Matthias Jaissle managed to do with this Newcastle side during the break?

A Valuable Break for Jaissle

Normally, international breaks are something supporters simply want to get through.

This one could have been different.

For Jaissle, it has provided something that is incredibly difficult to find once the Premier League season gets going — time on the training ground.

Newcastle’s new boss has been implementing his own ideas since arriving, but there’s only so much you can change when you’re constantly preparing for the next match.

This break has given him an opportunity to really work with the players who remained at the club.

Shape, pressing, movement, positioning and exactly what he expects when Newcastle have the ball.

Of course, several players have been away on international duty, but even then, this period could prove hugely important.

Coventry Could Tell Us a Lot

That’s why Monday night’s game is so interesting.

I’m not expecting Newcastle to suddenly look like the finished article. That would be unrealistic.

But I am expecting to see progress.

Does the press look more organised?

Are Newcastle moving the ball quicker?

Are players beginning to understand where Jaissle wants them to be?

And perhaps most importantly, are we starting to see the aggressive, front-footed Newcastle United that the manager wants to build?

Coventry away isn’t necessarily the easiest place to answer those questions either.

Monday night. Under the lights. A home crowd desperate to make it difficult for Newcastle.

It should be a proper Premier League test.

Time to Kick On

There has been plenty of discussion during the international break about what Jaissle could do with this Newcastle squad.

Now we finally get to see it.

Personally, I’m really looking forward to the trip to Coventry.

Three points are obviously the priority, but I’ll also be watching Newcastle’s performance very closely.

We’ve given the manager time.

We’ve given the squad an opportunity to reset.

Now let’s see whether this international break has worked wonders for Jaissle and the lads.

Coventry City vs Newcastle United
Monday 12 October
Kick-off: 8pm

The Premier League is back.

Howay the Lads!