Kieran Trippier has no plans to leave Newcastle any time soon (Image: Getty Images)
Kieran Trippier has fuelled speculation regarding his future at Newcastle United by admitting he harbours ambitions of playing in the Champions League once again. The veteran English defender highlighted the sky-high ambitions surrounding St James' Park, yet believes that any doubts about the team's capabilities have been quashed following their Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool. At 34, Trippier played a vital role at Wembley and has another year left on his contract beyond the current season.
Despite having had his name tossed around with potential moves to the Saudi Pro League last summer and links to Bayern Munich in past transfer windows, the former Spurs ace appears comfortable in the North East. His influential performances against Arsenal in the semis and Liverpool in the final underscored his importance to the side. Reflecting on his journey, Trippier confessed: "Ever since I arrived at the club, I was questioned, I was doubted. But throughout my career, I've no regrets. And here we are now with a winners medal."
Kieran Trippier lifts the Carabao Cup trophy aloft at Wembley (Image: Getty Images)
In addition to his on-pitch contributions, Trippier took charge of organising pre-final logistics for the players and their families, aiming to avoid distractions such as securing match tickets. He also disclosed that opting to stay at the Hilton outside Wembley ahead of the 2023 Manchester United final was an error, acknowledging that the occasion's heightened emotions impacted the team's performance.
Trippier reflected: "Going back to the last cup final the build-up was too emotional. I think it is fair to say for the players and supporters, it was emotional because it was the first final in so many years. This time around I feel we have been more calm.
"Just little things like tickets and staying at the Hilton which was a distraction. We said at the hotel on the eve of the game everything felt more calm."
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The recent triumph ended decades of domestic disappointment, with the cup victory snapping a 70-year domestic silverware drought and finally moving past the shadow of the 1969 Fairs Cup. Trippier commented on the club's transformation: "Because the club have been taken over the expectations are so high. But you need to be realistic at times as well."
"Like I said when I first signed it's a stepping stone, we stayed up and then got in the Champions League. Got into a cup final then another cup final and won it. So we are building. That is the most important thing."
With the end of the season approaching, the team will celebrate their cup triumph with an emotional bus parade in the city centre this Saturday before returning to Premier League action. Trippier hinted at his aspirations as he said: "We still have a big season to go. We want to finish in the top four. We want to play Champions League football again."
