Newcastle need reinforcements 'soon', admits Jaissle after Everton defeat leaves them short for Liverpool opener

Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has admitted his side "cannot be at our peak" for their Premier League opener against Liverpool, after a bruising 3-1 pre-season defeat to Everton at Murrayfield in Edinburgh laid bare the squad's shortcomings.

Speaking after the defeat, the German boss said he is hoping for "progress" in the transfer market "soon", with a right-back and a controlling midfielder the immediate priorities — and such additions looking increasingly essential. Benfica full-back Amar Dedic, Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Bayern Munich No 6 Joao Palhinha are among the names currently under discussion.

Jaissle did not rule out additions before this weekend's back-to-back friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg at St James' Park, though he accepted "it's not in my hands" — and further incomings would provide a much-needed boost to a team short of leadership, game management and end product.

Defensive frailties on show

Newcastle actually started brightly on Wednesday evening before Everton were gifted the lead. A terrible defensive error from Sven Botman eventually allowed Thierno Barry to open the scoring, with Iliman Ndiaye doubling Everton's advantage from the spot in the 36th minute after Joelinton conceded a penalty for a foul on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

At the break Jaissle changed his entire outfield, with an academy defence fielded for the second half. Tyrique George added Everton's third in the 73rd minute before Jacob Murphy laid on Harvey Barnes for Newcastle's consolation, just as a solar eclipse commenced amid the clouds above Murrayfield.

Hall returns — will Dedic be joining?

The chronic lack of depth at full-back continues, even if the return of Lewis Hall from a knock provided Jaissle with a senior left-back. Although Manchester United retain an interest in Hall, Newcastle are adamant he will not depart. Rather than lose another full-back, Newcastle desperately need to sign at least one, and Dedic is a target.

The 23-year-old is predominantly a right-back but can play down both sides, which is desirable, and he worked under Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg, so the German will be confident Dedic can fulfil his demands swiftly. Jaissle refused to confirm which positions he is looking to augment, but smirked when asked if he wanted a full-back and a midfielder.

"You are also smart enough to see the needs in the squad," he said. "We are aware of what we need and there's still some time."

While Leo Shahar, 19, made his third start of pre-season at right-back, a defence made up of academy players ran out for the second half. None of Dylan Charlton, Miodrag Pivas, Henry Johnson or Mason Miley have made a competitive first-team appearance for Newcastle. The defensive issues extend further, with Botman at fault for another goal, while Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley are all racing against time to be fit for Liverpool.

Captaincy trial continues, but a midfield addition is vital

Malick Thiaw started for the second match in succession, but Joelinton was surprisingly handed the armband in Edinburgh. The Brazilian's temperament does not necessarily make him a natural choice, yet it highlights the leadership "vacuum" Jaissle repeated he feels exists following the exits of Bruno Guimaraes and other influential players. During the second half Murphy, part of the leadership team under Eddie Howe, assumed the captaincy, while Jaissle namechecked Dan Burn as a leader.

"Not closer than I told you," Jaissle said when asked whether he is ready to name a captain. "For sure, not publicly. Closer, (yes) but at the right time I will let you know."

Joelinton is also a far-from-convincing No 6 in Jaissle's 4-2-3-1 formation. Newcastle desperately need a player who can exert control, direct the team and provide a defensive screen to accompany a ball player in the double pivot. Former Tottenham midfielder Hojbjerg remains a target, even if that deal is proving difficult, while Newcastle are interested in Palhinha though they do not appear the favourites for his signature.

Four of Newcastle's five signings this summer have been aged 20 or under, but Guimaraes' exit has forced a tweak in approach. Without top-level experience being injected into this side — and quickly — Newcastle may face a testing season.

Goals are a concern too

While accepting Newcastle simply cannot "peak" against Liverpool due to the lack of time he has worked with the squad, Jaissle also stressed he is "making progress" and his team will be better — and less fatigued, given the intense training and friendly schedule — in 10 days' time.

One position Newcastle are not actively looking to strengthen is striker, yet goalscoring is proving a problem. Will Osula ended last season in excellent form and has huge potential, but is still striving for consistency. Yoane Wissa scored twice in Valencia but was deployed as a No 10 in Edinburgh and missed a couple of good chances. Nick Woltemade, meanwhile, is still searching for a defined role in the team.

Three signings provide cause for optimism

Bazoumana Toure plays the same position as Barnes and, as a left-footed left-winger, has delivered two exciting cameos. Against Everton, the 20-year-old repeatedly troubled Nathan Patterson, using his pace to get in behind the full-back before whipping early crosses into the box — the issue being the lack of a natural finisher to get on the end of his deliveries.

Beyond Toure, Sean Steur has already made a big impression on the fanbase. The 18-year-old Dutchman is bold in possession and always aims to play forwards, an ideal fit for Jaissle's style. Lukas Hornicek also impressed in Edinburgh, with the 24-year-old goalkeeper producing a couple of excellent stops to deny Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall, adding composure to Newcastle's build-up play.