TRIPPIER I wasn’t fit enough for Tottenham
SAYS KIERAN TRIPPIER
KIERAN TRIPPIER has laid bare the gruelling physical demands made by Mauricio Pochettino.
The regime imposed by the Tottenham manager has become the talk of the Premier League, with his players acknowledged as fitness standard-setters.
And Trippier, 27, has revealed it took him the best part of SIX MONTHS to get to a level deemed acceptable by Pochettino, even though he considered himself in good shape.
Trippier signed for Spurs in the summer of 2015, but did not start a Premier League game until late December of that year.
He explained: “I thought I was in good shape. When I was at Burnley and we got our body fat done, I had a really good percentage. Sean Dyche was happy.
“I went to Tottenham and I was well high… I think they pinch you tougher at Tottenham, unless it was my allinclusive holiday in Mexico and the mojitos.
“It turns out I wasn’t in the best shape when I came to Tottenham, and the manager let me know that. But within six months of getting there, I was in great condition.
“It’s really intense. It’s relentless really, how much stuff we do. The structure is set out perfectly, whether it’s in the gym, running, sometimes double sessions. Every player is in great shape.
“I used to enjoy myself with my missus and friends but, because we are playing Saturday-Tuesday or Wednesday-Sunday, with the intensity we play at, we can’t afford to have a night out.”
Trippier is hoping Pochettino’s rigorous fitness schedule w i l l stand him in good stead for the World Cup campaign next summer.
He is not guaranteed a place in the England squad but is determined to make it, particularly as his dad, Chris, is planning to run up a giant flag in celebration.
“I remember watching the World Cup in 2010, because my dad had a big flag in his garden,” laughed Trippier.
“The council tried to make him take it down but he didn’t. I can never forget it. A massive pole with a big England flag in the garden.
“The council wrote letters to him and everything, but he said, ‘I’m not taking it down’.
“It was brilliant. It was huge. The pole was massive, with a massive flag as well. The garden’s not even that big. He’s mad for England and Manchester United. “The neighbours loved it. I don’t know who complained about it but he’s already said he’ll put it up next summer.”
At least proud father Chris knows that, with Pochettino cracking the whip, his lad won’t be flagging come June.