TOO N ’ S T O P TRIP

Kieran: Newcastle have changed massively even since I’ve joined

KIERAN TRIPPIER says “everything has changed” at Newcastle in the space of seven months.

The England right-back arrived in January when the Toon had just one win in the Premier League campaign and looked certainties for relegation.

He was part of the fightback, with boss Eddie Howe and £90million of new signings, before injury hit.

The Magpies went on a run of 12 wins in 18 games and Tripper said: “I came from Atletico Madrid where the demands are so high.

“And the fitness levels at my previous clubs were much higher than when I first arrived here at Newcastle.

“But it was mainly confidence. The team needed to believe in themselves and that they could survive. Get that next win and bounce off that.

“Fitness, confidence, belief.

That comes from the manager. We had a great run, breeding confidence.

“You can feel it in the group in pre-season. Training is at a different level now. The difference is massive.

“We have new players as well. Everyone has gone up a gear and there is competition in every position.”

Trippier, 31, grew up knowing the potential at Newcastle – now he is trying to turn it into reality.

He was an

11-year-old at Manchester

City’s academy when Sir Bobby Robson led the Geordies into the Champions League with third and fourth placed league finishes.

When he drops his kids off at school and clubs, parents on Tyneside tell him of the enduring love for the Kevin Keegan side of the 1990s.

Trippier quit La Ligawinning Atletico Madrid to help rescue Newcastle from relegation last season and he accepts there is pressure and a clamour now to turn the Saudi-funded club into contenders again.

He added: “I remember Keegan’s era, going for the title against Man United in the mid-90s when I was very little. We want to get back to making Newcastle challenge again. Shearer was playing and there was Ginola and Ferdinand. But it takes time.

“Historically, Newcastle are massive. They were in the Champions League 20 years ago playing Inter in the San Siro. Now it is a new era and generation.

“Everything has changed – owner, staff, manager, new players and everyone is excited. As players we need to deliver.

“Everyone is together, the city is together and that is great credit to the owners as well.

“We are a sleeping giant. The city is believing again. I knew all about Newcastle fans before I came and knew what to expect, but the fervour has surprised me.”

There is an intensity to being in a one-club football obsessed city like Newcastle.

They lost 3-2 to Benfica on Tuesday with Miguel Almiron (centre, left) scoring.

And two 52,000 sell-out crowds will watch back-toback friendlies against Atalanta and Bilbao tomorrow and Saturday. Not long ago 10,000 free season tickets were being given away.

Tripper trained every day in Madrid in front of thousands and said: “I am used to it. Pressure and expectation, I can deal with.

“With the changes here there is a bright future – but we need patience as well.

“It is a project. Same with Man City years ago. They built the right way and we will, too. It will take a few years. But it is only upwards now.”