Kieran Trippier has revealed that he was “surprised” how passionate the “incredible” Newcastle United fans are.
After experiencing the passion for football in the Spanish captial, during his time at Atletico Madrid, Trippier has admitted he was caught off guard by how “incredible” the support has been for the club.
Following his departure from the reigning La Liga champions, the 31-year-old became PIFs first Newcastle signing last month.
After making his debut in the shock FA Cup defeat to Cambridge United, the right-back was blown away by the support his new club receives.
Speaking on Football Daily, Trippier said: “In Madrid it was unbelievable [support], but you look at the Cambridge game there was 50 to 55,000 fans at the stadium and the stadium was bouncing.
“The support is incredible. I wouldn’t say I’m shocked but I’m very surprised at how passionate the supporters are around the city. It’s a good feeling playing for Newcastle.”
There is no denying that the Magpies look a fitter outfit under Eddie Howe compared to his predecessor Steve Bruce, and Trippier is under no illusions that the hard work in training is paying off.
Trippier said: “I’ve worked with the manger before so I knew what he expects and the training has been tough.
“But since I’ve arrived, the team has been so much fitter, stronger and more organised, and that comes from the manager and staff who deserve huge credit.”
According to Trippier, Howe wants to play ‘attractive, on the front foot’ football and the England international believes that philosophy is “slowly” coming to fruition at Newcastle.
Unbeaten in six Premier League matches, Trippier admits there is a real buzz around the club.
Trippier added: “He’s [Howe] doing a great job and all off the lads are loving training and they love the manager.
“It’s been great and there is real buzz around the city and at the stadium the fans have been electric – something that I haven’t probably experienced in my career and I have played in some good stadiums, but Newcastle’s for sure is up there.”
Trippier played under Howe at Burnley 10 years ago and the right-back is keen to repay the trust the manager has shown in him.
Newcastle’s number 15 concluded: “I have huge respect in him for having the trust in me in the first place and taking me from Manchester City 10 years ago and he’s had the trust in me again.
“All I can do is try and repay him with my performances, the way I act around the training ground and the way I help the other players.”
Kieran Trippier continues to recover from the metatarsal injury which has ruled him out for the foreseeable future.
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