Ewen Jaouen sends Liverpool message ahead of Newcastle opener

Ewen Jaouen says Newcastle United are excited about facing Liverpool in their Premier League opener despite a difficult set of pre-season results under new manager Matthias Jaissle.

The £20m summer signing impressed during Newcastle's final friendly against Strasbourg, making two saves in the penalty shoot-out on his first appearance at St James' Park.

His efforts could not prevent another defeat, but Jaouen remains positive about Newcastle's progress as the squad adapt to Jaissle's tactical ideas.

Newcastle enter their opening Premier League fixture having endured a challenging pre-season.

Their only victory came against 10-man Valencia, while they suffered defeats against Bristol City, Everton, Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg and drew with Gateshead.

Jaouen, however, believes there are encouraging signs behind the results.

“This is a new coach [with a new] tactical approach,” he told NUFC TV. “There is a lot to learn.”

Jaissle has only been working with the squad for two weeks, meaning established players and summer arrivals are still adjusting to his methods.

“Everyone is happy to hear what he has to say to make us better,” Jaouen added.

Attention now turns to Liverpool's visit to St James' Park, and the French goalkeeper is relishing the prospect of his first Premier League campaign.

“I’m really excited about the weekend that is coming against Liverpool,” he said. “We want to play in the Premier League.”

Jaouen also provided Newcastle supporters with an early demonstration of his penalty-saving ability against Strasbourg.

The goalkeeper stopped two penalties by waiting until late before committing himself, although Newcastle eventually lost the shoot-out.

“I don’t have pressure on me [when it comes to penalties] – it is all on the taker,” he explained.

Jaouen said his approach involves attempting to get inside the penalty taker's head and delaying his movement for as long as possible.

The occasion also gave him his first experience of the St James' Park atmosphere, with the goalkeeper impressed by the support even for a friendly.

Newcastle must now put their uneven pre-season behind them when Liverpool arrive at St James' Park.

With Jaissle still early in the process of implementing his ideas, the opening fixture provides a major first test. For Jaouen, it could also offer an early opportunity to establish himself in the Premier League after an encouraging home debut.