Newcastle player Wissa spoke to Sky Sports about his manager Jaissle, representing his country at the World Cup, and other topics in an interview.

You started the season in great form, scoring goals regularly, and you scored in the pre-season as well. How satisfying is it to show this level of performance at Newcastle?

It's been very good. I'd say I'm in great physical condition, which has helped me maintain good form. Overall, I've reached a high level of performance. So it's satisfying to demonstrate this on the pitch.

I'm delighted for you and enjoy watching you play. Although I know it's not the most important thing to you, you've been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award. After a difficult season last year, how does this feel?

It's incredible. Honestly, I didn't expect things to happen so quickly. I hoped I could perform well, but it came faster than expected. I worked hard throughout last season despite the challenges. That's how last season ended. But now I'm very happy, in good form, and I hope to win this award. Why not? But I'll take it one step at a time and focus on the matches.

After the Spurs match, you spoke in a post-match sideline interview about the new manager. What has he personally done for you, and how does he make you feel as a player, both on and off the pitch? Can you elaborate?

Yes, it's really interesting. From our first meeting, he showed great confidence in me. When he first approached me, he didn't even introduce himself formally—he just asked, "Are you Ivan?" That's how we started. After talking with him, he gave me a lot of confidence. He talked about his past experience, his expectations for the future, what he wants from me, and especially my role in the team. That's how we began working together. He wants me to be a leader for the team and to give my all for him. That confidence is what drives me to try hard.

Your birthday is on September 3rd. Did you have any special celebrations?

No cake, nothing. There's a match two days later anyway. I had a nice day. I went out with my wife, we went to a restaurant, and then went home to rest.

Being the Democratic Republic of Congo's all-time leading World Cup goalscorer and being called "Mr. Congo"—how proud does that make you?

It's truly unbelievable. We played exceptionally well in that tournament, especially in matches nobody expected us to. So yes, we scored goals, celebrated those moments, and valued the experience. I nearly scored against England—ha ha. That match was difficult for me. But I accept everything because I was in great form at that time. Everything started from the World Cup and continues to this day.

What does it mean to you to represent your country on the biggest stage?

It's truly an honor to be the first goalscorer in our national team's history at a World Cup. Especially when the national anthem plays before the match—I don't know what else to call it—yes, the national anthem, that feeling is amazing. It always gives me goosebumps because my country is part of my life. So whenever I wear the national team jersey, I want to give everything on the pitch. Because I know our country is at war. Every time I wear the jersey, I think of them, and it's genuinely a great honor.

Is the World Cup a big deal in your country? Do you know that the whole nation is watching you?

Yes, absolutely. Every time we score or win, I see it. Even when we played Portugal, people took to the streets in the rain to celebrate. So for them, football is everything. If we do well, it means the world to them. Everything stops during matches. So we're very proud to make them happy. It's amazing to watch those videos.

The fans have been delighted to see you return to form so quickly. How much has their support helped you? Last season you played very little due to injury, you missed the summer, and now with their support, how have they helped you?

Yes, I've always known how much this club and the fans care about the players, even before I joined Newcastle. That's the most important thing. So last season I was a bit frustrated or disappointed because injuries prevented me from returning to form quickly. This season I was ready to show them how happy I am on the pitch. Playing at St. James' Park is very exciting because it's one of the best football stadiums in England and the world. Now I feel more myself, and I know the fans are happier seeing me play with more intensity every time.

When speaking with forwards and in interviews at the start of the season, as we often hear from forwards and in their interviews, journalists always ask—do you set specific targets for goals and assists? Are these things you want to talk about on camera, or do you keep them private?

Yes, they're all in my heart. Yes, I always have objectives. I even set separate targets with the manager. But yes, I set personal targets for myself. Because that keeps me running. Even if I exceed my targets, I'll keep going. So I always set personal targets for myself. And I also want to do more for my family because last season was difficult for them too. So I'm proud to be able to do this now.

So Newcastle recently reached the League Cup semi-final after beating Millwall. As part of the team, do you feel pressure to maintain this standard?

I think pressure is a good thing, a really good thing. Because the standard is already there. They've won trophies before, so why can't we? We reached the semi-final last season. This season we've reached the final and we'll see what happens. But we'll take it one match at a time, and we have young players who are eager to run and fight on the pitch.

Like the previous round, you'll be playing against a Championship team, but this time away at Millwall. Their home atmosphere is known to be intense and intimidating. How are you preparing for this knockout match?

It will be interesting to experience that atmosphere. But I think we just need to go there and do what we do every day. I'm looking forward to playing them. I know one of their players and he's told me about the atmosphere and everything there, but I believe we're ready to handle this type of match.

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