Newcastle boss Eddie Howe claims he’s surprised at reports full-back Kieran Trippier is eager to leave St James’ Park.
Speculation this week has suggested the England international is unhappy at losing the captaincy to Bruno Guimaraes as well as being left out for last weekend’s season-opening win over Southampton.
But Howe insists Trippier remains a valuable part of his squad and has no desire to see him leave Tyneside.
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Business as usual, says Howe
“The situation is business as usual. Tripps has trained really well this week,” said Howe.
“I’m surprised by a lot of the stories that have come out. He’s a valuable member of the squad. His professionalism has been first class. He’s trained really well since he came back from the Euros. I think he’s only had two weeks of training hence the reason why he didn’t start last week.
“He continues to be really valued by all of us. He’s just trained as normal and he’s been very good. I’m not really sure where this has come from. He’s preparing as we all are for the game on Sunday.”
Eddie Howe on Bournemouth:
“We had two really tough games against them last season, they are an athletic side who will hurt you on transitions if you are not on it. We are not fooled by how difficult this game will be, we need to be better on the road then we were last season.… pic.twitter.com/FmrBRpKxy9
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 23, 2024
Newcastle have been relatively quiet in the transfer market this summer as they struggle to remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
Howe is also rumoured to be uneasy at the club’s new off-field set-up and he admitted he was “a step removed” from transfer dealings.
He added: “No, there is no news. I’m a step removed from it so it’s always difficult for me to give you definitive answers but I’m aware there’s still work going on behind the scenes. I’m not getting regular updates so what will be will be.”
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Return to Bournemouth will be emotional
Howe takes Newcastle back to his former club Bournemouth on Sunday in what he admits is an emotional fixture for him and his staff.
He said: “Of course it is a fixture that means a lot to us as staff because our length of time with the football club. I think it has never been different, you turn up for the game to win. You’re there to give your best and try and do everything you can to get the important three points for us currently. That will not change.
“Going back to last season, we had two really tough games against them. They’re a very good team, they’ve got outstanding attributes. We’re not fooled by how difficult this game can be. We need to be better on the road than we were last year.”
