Newcastle United crashed out of the Champions League on Wednesday night after a 7-2 thrashing at the hands of Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
Anthony Elanga scored two equalisers following goals from Raphinha and Marc Bernal, before a Lamine Yamal penalty made it 3-2 at half-time. But the Spaniard ran riot in the second half, with Robert Lewandowski (2), Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez taking the tie away from the Magpies entirely.
But one player's performance in particular summed up the night for Newcastle, and also proved manager Eddie Howe wrong in the process, as planning for the new season must now surely begin to take priority.
Kieran Trippier Drops Stinker vs Barcelona
Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier prepares to take a thrown in
UEFA Champions League - Newcastle United v FC Barcelona - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - September 18, 2025 Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier prepares to take a thrown in Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Howe made the decision to go with a relatively attacking side at the Camp Nou, while also naming Kieran Trippier to start at right-back ahead of Tino Livramento.
The experience of the ex-England international was expected to help contain the relentless attack of Raphinha, Yamal and Lewandowski, but what actually took place was a poor performance which may have led to Newcastle losing the tie from a promising position.
According to Sofascore, Trippier failed to win any ground duels or aerial duels during the game, while he also didn't make a single tackle attempt, completed just 17 passes, was booked, and conceded a penalty - all before being substituted at half-time. That earned him a 3.5/10 rating.
With the veteran defender out of contract at the end of the season, it raises concerns about how good he is for the level that Newcastle want to be at these days, and Howe's mentality when it comes to keep him should also raise major question marks.
Howe Wants to Keep Trippier
Eddie Howe
Reports emerged recently that Howe wants the club to offer his former captain a new contract, despite his dwindling performances on the pitch.
While his leadership is undoubtedly helpful behind the scenes, if he isn't offering anything on the pitch then a move away is the best thing for him and the club, and Howe must accept that.
His performance against Barcelona was dreadful, and it's evident that his time at the highest level is over. Newcastle have to make the brutal decision to let him leave at the end of the season for nothing, and find a way to replace him during the transfer window.
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