Eddie Howe's revealing Kieran Trippier response as new Newcastle United 'leader' appointed
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has addressed the future of Kieran Trippier following transfer speculation.
There was a lot for Eddie Howe to discuss ahead of this weekend’s Sela Cup games.
Newcastle United’s head coach today appeared alongside Bruno Guimaraes for a pre-season press conference at the club’s Benton training base.
Howe spoke about the club’s signing of forward William Osula from Sheffield United, as well as the team’s ambitions for this season, while Bruno Guimaraes dismissed speculation over his future – and again pledged his allegiance to the club after joining the players’ “leadership group”.
There’s also been speculation over a possible departure for Kieran Trippier, who could be involved against Girona or Stade Brestois after returning to training last week, along with Anthony Gordon, following a short break after the conclusion of England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
And Howe insisted that he saw a “fully-committed” player in training.
“I don’t think Kieran’s openly looking to leave,” said United’s head coach.
“He’s been very good in training this week. He’s come back with an ambition to play, to fight for his place, like every player does when he comes back during pre season. There’s been no issues. I see a player that’s fully committed.”
Trippier – who has a year left on his contract – was a transformational signing when he joined amid a relegation battle in January 2022.
The club has since signed 21-year-old right-back Tino Livramento, and while Howe maintains that Trippier’s still a “huge part” of the side going forward, he acknowledged the “possibility” of further departures.
Newcastle had to sell Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh in June to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
“I see him as a huge part of the team and the squad going forward,” said Howe. “But, as I said earlier, there’ll always be, while we’re in the moment of financial fair play still affecting the club, the possibility that anyone could leave.
“So I won’t talk about individual players, but, naturally, with incomings, there will be outgoings as well.”
Leadership
Trippier – who has captained the team when club skipper Jamaal Lascelles has not been in the starting XI – is part of the players’ “leadership group” along with Dan Burn, another hugely-experienced player.
Asked about the pair, Howe said: "Two vitally experienced players, and you cannot underestimate that experience in the Premier League.
“Both are top-level players, top-level people, and they helped the group immensely - on and off the pitch.
“So we’re going to need everybody, even those who don’t start the first game. That doesn’t mean anything other than that it’s just one game in a long season.”
Meanwhile, Guimaraes, 26, is hoping to help lead the club back into the Champions League.
“The gaffer has given me a big responsibility to be in the leadership group,” said the Brazil international. “I want to be a leader. I want to help the club in many ways.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve developed my game a lot. I’m grateful to him and his staff. Now I think it’s time to deliver something special.
“When I signed for the club, I said I wanted to play in the Champions League, and everyone said I was crazy, but we got it.
“Now I want to be in the Champions League again and win something for the club. The fans deserve it. This is still my dream.”