Newcastle’s players are ‘confused’ by what Matthias Jaissle wants from them, a source close to the dressing room has told me.

I've been told the squad remains supportive of Jaissle and there is a determination to get things right for the head coach – senior players accept there is a responsibility on them – but there is also a desire for clarity over what it is they are being asked to do on the field.

Jaissle said in the wake of Monday's 1-0 home defeat by Everton that he could not understand why the team had not followed his instructions and executed the tactics they had worked on in training. He said the plan was not to play ‘long balls’. 

Sources also say Jaissle spoke to his players afterwards about their press not being what he wanted and their passing being too slow in the opposition half.

However, I have been told some players are unsure as to the playing style and strategy, and that has led to those in deep positions getting the ball forward as quickly as possible, invariably with a long pass. There are also some within the dressing room wondering why the team continues to play with a No 10 when they do not have a specialist in that position. 

Another source close to a senior player says the logical solution is a return to the 4-3-3 of recent seasons. There was word from inside the training ground that Jaissle was considering such a change ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace last month, so it is not off the table. 

The demand from supporters to find a place for teenager Sean Steur in the midfield could yet see a tweak to the system, especially as Jaissle believes he and Nico Gonzalez are not suited to playing together as a two.

JOELINTON FITNESS WORRY 

Joelinton is a fresh injury concern and medical staff will know in the next 24 hours if he is set to miss Saturday’s trip to Fulham, I can reveal. The Brazilian was feeling some muscle discomfort post-match on Monday and there is hope that the issue is related to a severe case of cramp. 

However, I understand that is yet to be confirmed and, given Joelinton’s history of muscle strains, including his hamstring, no chances will be taken. The 30-year-old only returned from a thigh injury three weeks ago having been sidelined since the summer.

FERNANDEZ-PARDO AND MILEY BACK IN ACTION

In better news, Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Lewis Miley are set to return for the game at Craven Cottage. 

I understand Fernandez-Pardo wanted to be included in the squad for the visit of Everton but was told by staff he needed more training. The Belgian had missed the previous two matches with what is being described as a ‘tricky virus’ and only returned to training over the weekend.

Fernandez-Pardo arrived on Tyneside insisting he wanted to be used as a central striker following his £51million move from Lille. However, Jaissle currently prefers William Osula in that position and Fernandez-Pardo will likely be competing for a place out wide at Craven Cottage.

Miley, meanwhile, was also pushing for involvement on Monday after recovering from a glute issue. The 20-year-old’s return is timely given the midfield struggles of late, as well as the fresh worry over Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey’s suspension following his red card against Everton.

NO LOAN FOR BAMBA 

One player who almost certainly won’t come in for a start is Aladji Bamba, although we are told he will NOT be going out on loan in January. 

The 20-year-old has appeared for just 27 minutes since his £30m arrival from Monaco in the summer, and he has not featured at all since September 19.

But despite potential availability issues in midfield, Jaissle does not feel Bamba is ready to start Premier League matches. That has led to a suggestion among some that he could be loaned out in January, especially as he has made only 12 senior starts in his career.

However, I understand the plan is for Bamba to remain on Tyneside and there has been encouragement with his recent performances in training.

TRANSFER GURU'S METHODS REVEALED 

It has been interesting speaking to those who know a little more about Newcastle's new head of recruitment Tomas Amaral, who was virtually unknown in the UK before his appointment last month.

The Portuguese, 35, has been described as a 'bookworm and laptop obsessive', a meticulous talent-spotter who works long into the night. Amaral, who spent four years scouting for Benfica and was most recently sporting director at Spartak Moscow, has also spoken previously of the dangers of clubs signing good players who do not fit the manager's system.

He believes recruitment should begin with a clear footballing identity, rather than collecting talented individuals and hoping they somehow fit together. He also argues that scouts should challenge managers over transfer targets, rather than simply indulge their wishes.

Interestingly, his recruitment strategy involves two lists – one identifying players good enough for the club, the other those specifically suited to the manager's demands. For him, character and adaptability are considered just as important as ability. 

He was part of the Benfica scouting team who identified Enzo Fernandez when signing him from River Plate in 2022. The midfielder was sold to Chelsea for a near £100m profit the following year.

Amaral’s arrival at least gives clarity to the recruitment structure inside St James’ Park, and he would appear to have a busy 12 months ahead given what feel like obvious areas for improvement across the pitch. I understand there is scope to spend in January should the club feel it necessary.

GAMBIA KIDS ON TRIAL 

Beneath first-team level, Newcastle have cast their scouting net a little wider this week with two promising teenagers from Gambia arriving on Tyneside.

We understand Omar Marong and Alieu Saine, both 16, will stay for a two-week trial and train with the academy. They are products of the Today Makes Tomorrow Academy and have been identified under the club’s new global talent drive.

The pair caught the eye during Gambia’s triumph at September’s West African Under-17 Championship. Central midfielder Marong captained the side, while winger Saine finished as joint-top scorer with four goals. Neither player can join permanently until turning 18 because of FIFA regulations, but Newcastle are keen to assess their potential.

Meanwhile, the club are also set to appoint a specialist scout in Africa.

FERREIRA TUG OF WAR? 

Finally, Newcastle prospect Matheos Ferreira could soon be at the centre of an international tug of war.

The 18-year-old, born in Ashington and raised in Berwick, has been called up by Brazil Under 20s for friendlies against Japan and Singapore this month. He is the only English-based player in the squad.

But Ferreira, whose father is Brazilian and mother Italian, also qualifies for England and Italy. He has previously represented England at youth level and recently obtained an Italian passport.

I have seen him play a handful of times and there is certainly plenty of talent and potential. Interestingly, he has been operating as a No 10 at times this season, having come through the ranks as a winger.

Maybe there is a No 10 inside the club after all…