Kieran Trippier believes pre-season coupled with ongoing hard work on the training ground has played a 'massive' role in Newcastle United's success so far this season. The Magpies booked their place in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley next month with a second-leg victory over Southampton on Tuesday night.
Eddie Howe's side have the chance to make history on Tyneside by ending the club's painful wait for a trophy, with either Manchester United or Nottingham Forest standing in their way. Newcastle have also emerged as unlikely top-four contenders, with the team sat third in the table having suffered just one league defeat so far.
It is all a far cry from the desperate battle for survival which Howe walked into when he was appointed in November 2021. Drastic improvements in a host of first-team stars coupled with a transfer spend in excess of £200 million has led to a sharp upturn in fortunes on and off the pitch for Newcastle.
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Trippier was the first signing of the new era with the Magpies, swapping life with defending La Liga champions Atletico Madrid for a survival scrap. Newcastle eventually finished 11th following an impressive showing in the second-half of the campaign, and the full-back is confident pre-season has allowed the team to build upon this initial revival.
Speaking after the cup victory over the Saints, Trippier told Sky Sports: "I felt pre-season was massive. When the manager stamps his authority with the way he wants to play, the philosophy he wants to play. I think working hard as well, on the training field we’ve worked really hard."
Trippier made an instant impact in black-and-white, netting free-kicks in crucial home wins over Everton and Aston Villa. The former Tottenham star then picked up a foot injury which ruled him out for the majority of the remaining fixtures, but the 32-year-old was determined to still play a role in the relegation battle.
Trippier added: "When I got injured it was difficult of course but I felt it was important that I travelled with the lads, being there for the lads, and that’s what I said when I arrived - I want to help the team through a difficult moment on and off the pitch. I felt like with my presence I could do that whilst being injured."
Our 48-page Carabao Cup final special is available to pre-order now! Click HERE to get your copy as Newcastle United prepare for a historic day out at Wembley. Also available to purchase through local participating retailers from February 15th.
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