Mbappe sent warning by Newcastle star Trippier before Champions League clash
Kieran Trippier has issued a warning to Kylian Mbappe saying: "I want three points not your shirt."
The Newcastle and England star says his duel with the “best player in the world” has been the main topic of conversation with his six year old son Jacob this week. Trippier’s boy is among the mascots for the first Champions League game for 20 years at St James’ Park… and told his dad he wants to run out with the French winger, not his dad!
After a goalless draw in the San Siro in their opening game, Newcastle are looking to secure their first goal and win, in a huge test of their Euro credentials. Trippier has faced Mbappe twice, for England and Spurs, and says the Toon team don’t want to look like tourists by looking to collect the illustrious shirts of their opponents.
He said: “Swapping shirts has not crossed my mind. My thought process is to win. Of course, it is Mbappe and everyone is going to want his shirt, that is normal. For me, I want the three points. Then see what happens after the game.”
However, there is one member of the Trippier family in awe of Mbappe, who has netted eight goals in eight games this season. PSG boss Luis Enrique confirmed his £130million man was 100 per cent fit after missing the game at the weekend with an ankle injury.
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Trippier added: “My son talked about his last night. We had some banter. He wanted to walk out with him, not me. He is obsessed with Mbappe, always watching his clips on YouTube. If you get to walk out with him don’t look at me in the tunnel…
“For me personally it’s a challenge that I’m ready for. I’ve played against many good players and many good wingers in my career. This game is going to be no different. The Champions League is where I want to play, and you play against the best wingers in the world.
Have your say! Will Newcastle be able keep Kylian Mbappe quiet? Give us your score prediction in the comments section.
Kieran Trippier made his England debut against France and faced Kylian Mbappe (Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)“I faced him in his debut game for Monaco for Tottenham, and for England on my debut (in June 2017, a 3-2 France win). He is a fantastic player. You want to play the best in the world. It is a great occasion for everyone associated with the club and a game we think we can win.
“He is certainly one of the best players in the world. For a few years he has been incredible. If it is Burnley. Paris or West Ham at the weekend we prepare on how we can hurt the opposition. We respect the Champions League but we will try to find a game to win.”
Asked if he had the toughest task against Mbappe, Trippier added: “This is football These are the levels you want to play at. Play the best teams best players. They have unbelievable players in the team Mbappe is one of the best in the world but they have quality all over the pitch. But we have to play our way because on our day we can hurt anyone.”
Kylian Mbappe helped Paris Saint-Germain to a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in their opening group fixture (Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Newcastle have a team of rookies at this level apart from Trippier who has reached a final with Spurs, losing to Liverpool in 2019, and two quarter finals with Atletico Madrid. Magpies players will “lean on” his experience and he gave a taste of what is required.
He added: “It was important to have the first game away from home in the San Siro. It was a great experience for players who had not been in the competition before. You are playing at the elite level now, playing the best teams in Europe.
“I think it is just: play our way. There is no point changing the way we play. Enjoy the occasion, most importantly. Be relaxed and calm. It is excitement, more than anything. We have to enjoy it, be excited about the game, yeah and get the win hopefully.”
It is almost two years since the Saudis bought Newcastle, first surviving a relegation scare, the clinching fourth last season. Trippier added: “No one would have thought that we would have been back in the Champions League so quickly, but I think we’ve earned the right to be in the position that we’re in.
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“Everyone’s done unbelievably, from the manager to the owners, and the direction they want to go in, and most importantly, the players that were here before the takeover happened because they’ve been unbelievable.”
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