Fabian Schär reacts to Eddie Howe exit and backs Newcastle under Matthias Jaissle

Fabian Schär has admitted Eddie Howe's departure from Newcastle United was difficult to see after their close relationship, but the defender has been impressed by new manager Matthias Jaissle.

Howe left Newcastle on July 31 after almost five years in charge, with Jaissle appointed as his successor earlier this month.

The managerial change comes during a summer of major transition at St James' Park, with Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães also leaving.

Despite that upheaval, Schär remains confident about Newcastle's future.

Schär played 175 matches under Howe, more than he has managed under any other coach during his career.

The pair developed a strong relationship after Howe arrived at Newcastle in November 2021.

“I’ve worked with no other coach for longer in my career than with Eddie,” Schär told Swiss outlet Blick.

“We built a solid foundation of trust. It’s a shame he left. He put his faith in me. We also held each other in high regard outside of sports.”

The 34-year-old has made 251 appearances for Newcastle since joining the club in 2018.

While disappointed to see Howe leave, Schär has been encouraged by his early experience working with Jaissle.

The defender described Newcastle's new manager as energetic and highly involved with his players.

“He’s full of energy and radiates enthusiasm,” Schär said.

“He demands high intensity and leads by example. My impression of him has been consistently positive.”

Jaissle has therefore made a strong early impression as Newcastle attempt to transition into a new era following Howe's departure.

Newcastle have also lost three hugely influential players this summer in Gordon, Tonali and Guimarães.

Schär, however, believes squad turnover is simply part of football and has not allowed the departures to change his outlook.

“Teams change. It’s always been that way and will remain so,” he said. “I have great confidence in us.”

At 34, Schär's personal priorities have also changed.

Rather than focusing heavily on individual targets, the Swiss defender wants to enjoy the remaining years of his career after returning to full health.

Newcastle must now translate Jaissle's positive start behind the scenes into performances on the pitch after a summer of significant change.

For Schär, the challenge is also to provide experience and stability within a squad that has lost several major figures. His relationship with Howe may have been special, but his early assessment suggests he is fully prepared to embrace Newcastle's new era under Jaissle.