‘We must all take it game by game’
much as I can.
“The players that have played with me and the managers that have coached me throughout my career know I will give 110%.”
Trippier then insisted he did not feel under any extra pressure to perform despite his high-profile arrival and United’s precarious position. Trippier reflected: “No pressure. “I spoke to the lads today and trained with them.
“I’m still ambitious, I know that I still want the England team.
“I am up against Reece James, Kyle Walker and Trent AlexanderArnold and I feel I can still handle the pressure and performances.
“I still feel I am in good shape but I have to give good performances for Newcastle.
EDDIE Howe admits that Kieran Trippier will change the dynamics surrounding Newcastle United’s style of play.
The England full-back will make his Premier League debut against Watford next weekend but fans will notice quickly how much Trippier gets on the ball and starts attacks from the back. Trippier was renowned for being one of the Atletico Madrid players who touched the ball the most during his time in La Liga and fans will soon see how he is capable of getting an average of 90 touches per game.
Howe told the Chronicle: “Every individual you bring into the team changes how you play. Everyone has different strengths. So no doubt Kieran will slightly shape our game differently.
“He is one of the best crossers of the ball I have worked with. He’s a set-play specialist as well so there’s a lot of really key attributes that will shape the team.”
“I just need to focus on myself and new team-mates.”
And he said he was ready to focus firmly on the task in hand, Trippier added: “Right now the main aim is staying in the Premier League.
“The whole project, you see the excitement.
“You see the supporters, the owners and the manager and it is something I am happy to be part of.
“Obviously as a team we need to stay in the Premier League.
“We believe we can stay up and hopefully with my arrival I can help the players around me.
“I can be a leader in the dressing room and with my experience help as much as I can on and off the field.
“I will do the best I can and give 110%.”
Yet Howe feels he will add something extra to the dressing room too, and commented: “He will bring a lot on and off the pitch, a winning mentality and he is driven to succeed.
“He is an outstanding technical player, brings calmness, attacks well, and is a top defender.
“On the pitch I think we have an outstanding technical player who will attack very well.
“He will bring a level of calmness to our play on the ball and he’s a top defender as well.”
Yet Howe does not feel that Newcastle tried to make any type of statement by landing Trippier.
He said: “We have not intended it to be a statement signing.
“It is the right player for the right position. We want his mentality in a relegation battle.
“He is up for the fight, relishing it and wants the challenge.
“But also a longer-term vision of what the club can do for his career.
“It is a sign the club has a huge pull. He hasn’t come for the financial benefits, he has come for the challenge and the long term vision.
“Hopefully other players around the world will share his vision.”
KIERAN Trippier says he is not concerned about the threat of potentially becoming a Sky Bet Championship player by May.
Instead, he believes that a “game by game” focus is vital for him and his new team-mates as they look to pick up nine wins from their final 19 matches.
Trippier has admirably swapped the Champions League for a Premier League dogfight, but says he could not be more content with his January move.
Trippier said: “I am looking at it game by game, not what can happen in a few months time.
“I am feeling very positive. The players are feeling positive and you see in the atmosphere around the place. We just need to focus. It’s game by game not the three or four months ahead.”
The defender also said the move was not about the money, he said: “They’re entitled to their opinion.
“My family are most important. “I wanted a project and a challenge. I’m brave, I don’t see this as a risk. I’ve got my reasons, I know them, and money isn’t one of them. I’m excited.”
Trippier also said that Newcastle fought off other interest to land his signature.
Trippier added: “I have a great relationship with Mister (Simeone), Atletico and the president.
“We talked about the situation. “They were unbelievable with me, and so were my team-mates, they all understood what they wanted.
“I would like to say thank you to everybody at Atletico.
“There was other interest but I made it clear I wanted to come back up north before Newcastle were even interested.
“My family, my children and wife are the most important thing.
“I didn’t have to think twice when Newcastle came in.”
Trippier is poised to make his Premier League debut at home to Watford in front of a packed house and said he is ready for the challenge that lies in wait.
Trippier said: “I played 90 minutes only on Sunday. So I am ready to help my new team now.
“When I played under Eddie a few years ago he played very attractive football and always on the front foot.
“I think since he’s been in charge of Newcastle you can see the change and difference.
“There is excitement around the place.
“The players have it instilled into them.”