Right back Kieran Trippier said that Newcastle United has not lived up to their usual high standards this season. He also said that his own play had gotten worse as his eighth-placed team lost their fourth straight Premier League game.
Newcastle had already been knocked out of the League Cup and the Champions League. On Tuesday, a 16th-placed Nottingham Forest team beat them 3-1 at St. James’ Park.
Many of their problems can be explained by the tough schedule of games and long list of injuries they’ve been dealing with since their return to Europe’s top club competition after 20 years. However, Trippier said he “won’t shy away” from his recent diplays.
Last week, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe stood by the 33-year-old England international after he made mistakes that cost them the game at Chelsea in the League Cup quarterfinals.
“The standards we have set throughout the last 18 months, we have come away from them a little bit in the last few games,” Trippier shared with Amazon Prime. “My standards have dropped, and lately I haven’t done nearly as well as I used to.”
“My career has had a lot of setbacks, and this is just another one where I need to keep going and believe in myself.” I’ve always had faith that I could get back up.”
Trippier said he was sure Newcastle will get things right again.
“There are a lot of games, and the club has had a hard time being in Europe.” The majority of the players are not used to playing in the Champions League and it’s been a test for the team,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries; the lads have given everything and worked hard for each other but we have to start the second half of the season strong.
“Teams always go through moments and we are going through one now but football changes quickly and for sure this team will bounce back.”
Newcastle next visit league leaders Liverpool on Monday.