‘I don’t know’ - Newcastle United star snubs Eddie Howe and St James’ Park in latest tell-all interview

Kieran Trippier picked Diego Simeone - not Eddie Howe - as the best manager he has worked under.

Newcastle United stumped up £12million to make the right-back the first signing of the Saudi-backed era two-and-a-half years  ago. That ended his association with Atletico Madrid and fiery Argentine manager Simeone.

Trippier took a leap of faith by leaving Tottenham Hotspur, where he became an England regular and one of the best full-backs in Europe. The Three Lions star won La Liga in 2020-21 and, by his own admission, improved defensively under Simeone.

A desire to return home led to Trippier joining Newcastle, a risk given he swapped Champions League football for a relegation battle. Since then, the 33-year-old has guided the Magpies to safety, qualified for the Champions League and led the club to a Carabao Cup final.

He goes into the upcoming Euro 2024 campaign as one of two Newcastle players in England’s squad, the other being Anthony Gordon. But transfer speculation is also rife, with reports suggesting Trippier could be the next high-profile star heading to Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to Gary Neville ahead of the tournament, Trippier named the best manager he has played for. He told The Overlap: “I’d say Simeone. Sorry Eddie!”

The Toon ace also snubbed St James’ Park when picking the best stadium he has played at. 

That honour went to a ground which hosted one of the greatest nights in Tottenham’s history.

“I think Ajax, that’s up there,” Trippier added. “Certainly when we played there with Tottenham, when we came back to 3-3 (Champions League semi-final 2019). I don’t know if that’s just because of the occasion because what a night that was.”