Trippier reveals truth behind Bayern rumours and why "every player loves" Eddie Howe

by Olly Hawkins · 11 March 2024, 15:00

Kieran Trippier has revealed the truth behind January links with Bayern Munich, insisting he "never once tried to force a move."

Speaking to The Athle tic, the 33-year-old admitted he was woken up by a 5am call while away in New York and informed of Bayern's interest.

He took the interest as a compliment, but was straight on the phone to Eddie Howe and had no plans to move to his third country in three years, feeling he owed it to the club and his family to remain on Tyneside.

“I was in New York and I was woken up at 5am their time saying, ‘Bayern Munich want to sign you’ So I was like, ‘This is a bit random’…

"I never thought at 33 years old that Bayern Munich would want to sign me, so it was more of a shock to me than anybody.

“I got on the phone to the manager (Eddie Howe) straight away, he knows the commitment I’ve got for the club. I never once tried to force a move. I’m here now and the owners know the commitment I have shown too.

"I take it as a compliment that a club like Bayern wanted to sign me, they’re a massive club. I think plenty of other players would have jumped at the chance to go. But I’ve been loyal to the club and my family is important — travelling to three different countries in three years, it’s not really ideal, is it?”

Trippier then discussed Eddie Howe, revealing that his honesty is one of the key reasons he is loved by everyone in the squad:

“He is a big help for me. I know what he demands and what he expects and he gives me the freedom to go forward.

“He’s a top manager. I have a huge respect for him. He’s had the belief to sign me twice now and I think he brings the best out of me. He’s changed a lot, to be honest. His style of play is very front foot, very attacking.

“The good thing about the gaffer is he is honest. That’s what everybody loves about him, every player loves about him.

“He wants to improve players and that’s there for everybody to see how much he has improved individuals in this team and as a team.”

The right-back is currently sidelined with a calf injury and is expected to miss our next two games, meaning Tino Livramento looks set to start at Chelsea tonight and in next week's FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester City.