‘Not ideal’ - Newcastle United captain slams owners’ decision that can boost FFP struggles
Kieran Trippier has spoken out against Newcastle United’s decision to travel to Australia next week for an end-of-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur
Kieran Trippier has admitted he would prefer not to play in Newcastle United’s end-of-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Magpies will jet off to Australia and face Spurs just three days after the campaign finishes on Sunday. A 21,000-mile-round trip awaits Newcastle for a lucrative fixture at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The iconic venue holds up to 100,000 spectators and hosting the friendly will bolster United’s coffers ahead of the summer transfer window. However, the decision has met criticism from sections of the media - and some supporters - with player welfare coming under fire.
Euro 2024 and the Copa America take place this summer and an extra game on the other side of the world creates added demands following a relentless season. Trippier will then return to St James’ Park two weeks later for England’s warm-up game with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 33-year-old hit out at the decision to stage the friendly ahead of an important international tournament. Trippier told The Mirror: “My expression says it all! It’s not ideal because it’s a tournament year. I understand why the club is doing it. I’ve done it at Tottenham and (Atletico) Madrid but, from my own experience of it, in a tournament year it’s not ideal.
“But we’re players, we’ve got to do what’s right for the club to move forward. When we’re there it’ll be good, we’ll embrace it and experience it. Hopefully, it goes smoothly. It’s not just England, you’ve got so many nations and clubs.
“Tottenham are doing it. But it’s one of those where you have just got to get on with it. But for me as a player, it’s not really ideal. It’s not like it’s Benidorm around the corner, it’s 25 hours away. There’s no excuses or anything, I understand why the club is doing it and we’ve just got to get on with it.”