The former England full-back is eager to make sure Newcastle United focus firmly on the task in hand against Barca
Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United speaks to the media in Barcelona(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Kieran Trippier has told his Newcastle United team-mates to “shut out” the noise if the Magpies have any chance of flooring the mighty Barcelona.
The full-back goes into Newcastle’s clash against Barca knowing it could be his last game for the Magpies in Europe, while it would also raise questions on Eddie Howe’s future were the chances of silverware for the campaign to end here.
Trippier slammed criticism of Howe after the head coach’s position had been questioned at certain stages during the season. But insisted Newcastle must block out the noise if they are to have any chance of beating the La Liga table toppers.
If the Magpies crash out at the Nou Camp, the harsh reality is that Trippier is likely to leave the club with a big question mark over Newcastle’s capability to give him an extended contract with PSR issues and a lack of Champions League prize money potentially bringing the curtain down on his Toon career.
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Trippier did little to play down the prospect of a June exit but tried to focus on the job in hand. Speaking last night at the Nou Camp, the man initially signed to help Newcastle stay in the Premier League in 2022, gave United a puncher’s chance against Barca.
The former England defender said: “A year ago yesterday, we won the Carabao Cup. So I just block out all the noise, especially about the manager.
“It goes in one ear and out the other. I have great respect for him and what he’s done for this club is remarkable.
“Since I arrived, I never thought we’d be playing Champions League football. We’ve been to the Champions League twice and two cup finals. We can’t forget how far we’ve come in a short period of time. Most importantly, we’ve earned the right to be here.
“All the noise, negativity, I block it out and try to help my team-mates block it out. This can still be a fantastic season. We just have to focus on tomorrow, not any negatives.”
When asked about his own position with a free transfer highly possible in the next few weeks, Trippier said in Barcelona: “It’s not really something I’m thinking about. The reality is that we know my contract is up at the end of the season, but I’m not thinking about that.
“I’m just thinking about tomorrow, and I’m just thinking about helping the club, as I said when I first arrived. If I can help the club get to where they want to be, then, like I said in my very first interview, I’ve done my job personally.
“I’m not looking too far ahead. We know my contract is up in the summer, but I’m just concentrating on trying to get the win that would put Newcastle in the next round.”
When pressed if he wanted to stay on at Newcastle, the 35-year-old said: “There’s loads of possibilities. Football’s a strange game.
“But I understand and respect that my contract’s up in the summer. I think it’s not rocket science that everybody knows my contract’s up. As I said before, I’m not thinking about the future, I’m thinking about tomorrow. And that’s just me being honest.
“In the next couple of weeks, obviously me and the manager will have a talk, of course. But let’s just get Barca out of the way. Let’s put in a good performance and focus on not just myself, but the team.”
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Newcastle United have reached the UEFA Champions League round of 16 where they face Barcelona on March 18. Fans can watch the game on the TNT Sports Prime Video channel.