Kieran Trippier tells Alan Shearer his two-year plan at Newcastle United
Kieran Trippier has revealed his two-year plan at Newcastle United is to keep us up and then 'kick on', telling Alan Shearer that he wants to see us challenging for 'Europe and titles' between now and 2024.
Our new right-back arrived on Tyneside as a La Liga champion due to his heroics with Atletico Madrid last season, with many surprised to see Trippier swap the Champions League for a relegation battle.
However, the England international believes in the long-term vision of the club and highlights Man City as an example for our owners to follow.
This is what he told our iconic number nine during an exclusive interview with The Athletic:
“I don’t want to look too far ahead but I’m hoping this season we stay up and then kick on.
“I signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and by the end of that we want to be challenging for titles, we want to be challenging for Europe.
“With the owners we’ve got and the plans they’ve got in place for where they want to go, then of course it’s achievable.
“You’ve only got to look at Man City. They did it the right way. They bought the right players at the right time, the right characters. They did it well.
“The owners here know where they want Newcastle to be. It’s an exciting time to be a Newcastle fan because, over the years, I think they deserve it.”
“My mindset is positivity, telling my team-mates constantly that we can stay up. I was willing to come here, to fight.
"A lot of players would have been scared to take this challenge on. I’m not.”
Trippier also revealed a desire to return to the north of England played a part in his decision to leave Spain, saying he's been blown away by Newcastle fans, enjoying meals out in Jesmond and being shown around the area by the Longstaff brothers!
The 31-year-old has not lived up north since leaving Burnley - where he played under Eddie Howe - for Spurs in 2015.
Here's what he told Shearer about his decision to return 'up north' and life on Tyneside so far:
“I wanted to come back to the north, and up north there was only Newcastle interested. But I know the manager and I’ve worked with him before (at Burnley) and I had good chats with him about the project and what could happen.
“I thought that maybe I could tempt other players to come here, too, that if I joined Newcastle maybe it shows we can get out of it.
“It’s going to be difficult, but I’m up for it. It’s perfect timing for me and my family.
“I want to get myself settled as quickly as possible. I’ve been out with a few of the lads for dinner in Jesmond. The Longstaff brothers have been showing me around!
“My parents have come to both home games and it’s so good to see family again after all the COVID restrictions.
"It’s the little things, like having local fish and chips!
"It’s just good to be back, and back in the Premier League.
"And do you know what? I’ve played for a few clubs and, I’m not just saying it, but Newcastle fans have been so passionate.
"You feel good as a player when you feel love like that. It’s absolutely buzzing.”
