Kieran Trippier applauds fans after NUFC's 3-1 defeat at Brentford
Kieran Trippier has issued an apology to Newcastle United fans after another Premier League defeat - this time at Brentford.
And the Magpies’ vice-captain has vowed there is ‘no doubt’ his struggling side will bounce back, having been in this kind of situation before.
The Magpies slipped to their fifth top flight loss in the Premier League this season as an Igor Thiago second-half double book-ended a gap between international breaks which has seen the club’s fortunes fluctuate. While defeats to the likes of West Ham and Brighton, as well as at the Gtech Stadium, has seen concerns grow about the side’s form in the league, cup wins over the likes of Benfica, Spurs and Athletic Club has masked that, somewhat.
Newcastle United players refuse requests to speak to fans via the media
Trippier was one of only two NUFC players to stop when asked by NewcastleWorld in the aftermath of the 3-1 loss. The other was club captain Jamaal Lascelles, who in many ways was not the man who had to front up for a game he did not play in, but showed his balls by fronting up, much like Trippier.
The former England international admits things have not been good enough in the Premier League. And he says the performance at Brentford was well below what is expected of Newcastle United.
However, he says the team ‘100%’ turn things around, even if that sentiment is not wholly shared by supporters right now.
Trippier said: “We didn't particularly play great. I don't think either side did, but we came in at half-time 1-0. We all accept and we all know the away form is not up to scratch, but we've been working on it. Nobody's hiding from the fact that we've not won away from home. The supporters have travelled so far and we understand that and we apologise for that, but maybe the break has come at the right time. Who knows? But yes, we've been in this situation before and for sure we'll bounce back 100% and that is without a doubt.”
‘No arguments’ in Newcastle United squad
Trippier was asked, by NewcastleWorld, what hard conversations had taken place in the aftermath of a shambolic week. He said: “I wouldn't say any arguments or anything. We've got a lot of experienced players in the dressing room, we've all discussed it. The leadership group, as a team, the manager has fully put a stamp on it. But all we can do as players, it's not the managers, it's the players who need to step up away from home. There's no excuses because the record at home is top, away it's not, but as players we need to take responsibility, which we will do as I’m stood here now speaking to you guys. We'll take it on the chin. Obviously it's not the best way of putting it, but all we can do is apologise to the fans. All I can say is that the lads are giving everything.”
Things don’t get any easier after the international break for the Magpies with Manchester City on Tyneside, then an often fruitless trip to Everton on the horizon after national obligations are satisfied. Trippier says it’s time to bounce back.
He said: “There's no guarantees, but obviously the main focus now is the lads go on international break. The lads that don't [they] rest and recover. Take a look at ourselves individually and collectively - like I do after every game, win, lose or draw. I always analyse where I've done wrong, where I could do better, etc. All we can do is, and the most important thing is stick together because as I said in the dressing room after the game before, I've never been in a better group. One of the best groups I've ever been involved in, the unity. We'll come through. It's about clicking and it will happen. Maybe as I said before, the break has come at the right time for us as players and as a team.”
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