Despite an uncertain summer Eddie Howe has stated he is “delighted” that Kieran Trippier is back at Newcastle
Eddie Howe has indicated that Kieran Trippier, an England international, may continue at St James’ Park because he thinks the player still adds “value” to the Newcastle United team.
Although West Ham and Saudi Pro League teams have expressed interest in the right-back, Howe battled to retain the player in January when Bayern Munich made two bids. This week, the right-back has been in training and has been a major part of the team’s preparations for the match against Southampton.
Trippier is in direct competition with Tino Livramento for the right-back slot this season with the former Chelsea and Southampton man ahead on fitness. When asked about Trippier’s role, as a starter or not, Howe told Chronicle Live: “I think it is so important that your experienced players are good leaders and good people.
“That is really crucial to the organization because you have problems if your veteran players aren’t those kinds of guys. You’ll find it challenging to organize the changing area.
Therefore, it is the experienced players’ responsibility to the football team to behave morally, to watch out for the younger players, and to set a good example for how we should work and approach our jobs every day.
“The best example of that is Kennedy. He is an incredible person and a great leader. We are delighted he is with us.”
Howe has to choose between Trippier and Livramento, with the former likely to start on the bench because of insufficient match preparation. With Lloyd Kelly vying for the starting position in the middle of defense and Joe Willock facing off against Sean Longstaff, Howe will also need to make important decisions throughout the spine of his club.
Howe responded, “I have been through every situation,” when asked if he wants to be faced with tough decisions, including the benching of some prominent players. There have been so many players for me to choose from, and then there are none at all! Having a large number of players is undoubtedly preferable to having none. The players are motivated by such competition.
“There is no other way for them to think other than if they want to get in the team they have to show they are better than the guy they are competing with.”
The only reason Trippier has fitness concerns is because he took additional time off for his England commitments at the European Championship in Germany. Another player that arrived late to preseason training and missed the Japan trip is Anthony Gordon, who is being pursued by Harvey Barnes for the left flank position.
“I’d say that all of those players who returned later are physically fit,” Howe stated. They shown throughout the preseason games that they are prepared to play. Are they performing at their absolute best, 100% of the time? Most likely not. But I think they’re very close to it.”
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