Matthias Jaissle delivers blunt response to what Newcastle United star did v Millwall after transfer interest

Joe Willock’s 81st minute goal saw Newcastle United beat Millwall 1-0 to advance into the next round of the Carabao Cup.It took until the 81st minute for the Magpies to breach the hosts’ defence when Joe Willock turned home Lewis Hall’s low cross. Jaissle named a strong starting XI for the visit to The Den, making just three changes from the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Matthias Jaissle on Newcastle United’s win at Millwall

“Yeah, we’re delighted, we’re happy, we did our job, that’s the most important thing in a cup match,” Jaissle told NewcastleWorld during his post-match press conference. “I think it’s never easy playing here against Millwall, so we were aware of it, we faced it and we did it.

“[It was] hard like I expected, but I’m proud of how the lads were dealing with the challenge, how the lads also improved, especially compared to the first half against Bournemouth, when it comes to the physical level, to the fundamentals of the game.

“Therefore, we’re really pleased and I think we deserve to be in the next round.”

Jaissle added: “We were dominating the game in general, but there were also elements missing when we talk about the final pass, when we talk about the final shot, but there was also an opponent on the pitch who did everything to keep the clean sheet.

“Sometimes it takes a little bit longer to open up a game. We did it in the end.”

Newcastle United transfer decision pays off v Millwall

Goalscorer Willock was wanted by Turkish side Besiktas in the summer but Jaissle showed a determination to keep hold of the former Arsenal midfielder.

Willock’s goal was his second of the campaign after coming off the bench to score in the Premier League opening day draw against Liverpool. The 27-year-old has started each of Newcastle’s four matches since then.

When asked if Willock’s performance at The Den showed exactly why Jaissle was so keen to keep him at the club, Jaissle simply replied with “yes”.

Speaking previously about his decision to keep Willock along with Jacob Murphy, Jaissle said: “I think now we have a well-balanced squad. The lads were doing good in the pre-season, they showed their quality, and I think they still have potential to even do better.”