Newcastle's Unexpected Kit Change
Newcastle United falls to Leverkusen in Jaissle's debut, forced to change kits mid-game
Key Points
Dan Burn is set to captain Newcastle this season following Bruno Guimaraes's departure as the club transitions under new manager Matthias Jaissle.
Ibrahim Maza opened the scoring for Leverkusen after just 44 seconds of the match, giving the visitors an early foothold at St James' Park.
Malick Thiaw wore the captain's armband and headed Newcastle level from a corner just before half-time, highlighting his leadership role in Jaissle's beginning with the Magpies.
A kit clash with Leverkusen’s white away strip forced Newcastle to switch to their lilac third kit during the first-half hydration break, with players such as Lewis Hall, Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade and Harvey Barnes among those who changed.
Newcastle United lost 2-1 to Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly at St James' Park — but the scoreline was not the only talking point. A kit clash forced Newcastle to swap their black-and-white home strip for a lilac third kit mid-match, according to Footy Headlines and France 24.
The change came during the first-half hydration break. Leverkusen's white away kit was causing confusion among players and spectators, leaving officials with little choice but to act fast, RFI reported.
Leverkusen Strike Early and Late to Win
Ibrahim Maza gave Leverkusen the lead after just 44 seconds. It was a stunning start for the German visitors at St James' Park. Malick Thiaw then headed Newcastle level from a corner just before half-time, wearing the captain's armband on the night, Head Topics reported.
Victor Boniface came off the bench to settle the match late on. His goal gave Leverkusen the 2-1 win. It was a tough start for new Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle, who was taking charge of his first game as manager, according to Morning Chronicle.
Mid-Match Kit Switch Disrupts Newcastle's Rhythm
Newcastle's traditional black-and-white barcode home kit clashed badly with Leverkusen's white away strip. Referees and medical staff had to coordinate the change during the hydration break, Head Topics reported. Players including Lewis Hall, Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade and Harvey Barnes were among those who switched to the lilac third kit.
The disruption added another layer of chaos to an already unsettled pre-season. Swapping kits mid-game is rare at any level of football. Doing it at home, in front of your own fans, made for an unusual scene, Footy Headlines noted.
Jaissle Takes Over as Newcastle Rebuild Their Squad
The Leverkusen game was Jaissle's first as Newcastle manager. He replaced Eddie Howe ahead of the 2026/27 season. The club is also coping with the departure of Bruno Guimaraes, one of their key players in recent years, according to Morning Chronicle.
Dan Burn is set to take the captain's armband full-time this season following Guimaraes's exit. Thiaw wore it against Leverkusen, showing Jaissle is still working out his leadership group. Newcastle also lost 3-1 to Everton earlier in the week, RFI reported.
Premier League Opener Against Liverpool Looms Large
Despite the pre-season stumbles, Newcastle's eyes are on what matters most. Their Premier League campaign opens against Liverpool. Two losses in a week — to Everton and now Leverkusen — will give Jaissle plenty to fix before that fixture arrives, according to France 24.
The kit mix-up, the early goal conceded, and the late winner all point to a team still finding its shape under a new manager. Jaissle has work to do. But pre-season is exactly the time to find those problems out.
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