‘He used to pull players’ hair in training’ – Kieran Trippier says he ‘loves’ s***housery and reveals who is best at it

NEWCASTLE defender Kieran Trippier said he loves ‘s***housery’ – and revealed who of his current and former team-mates is best at it.

The defender is preparing for the Carabao Cup Final where the Magpies may need to resort to football’s dark arts to get past Manchester United.

GettyKieran Trippier has been consistently impressive since signing for Newcastle in January 2022[/caption]

The Red Devils are the favourites and in tremendous form as they hunt for the first leg of an unlikely quadruple.

But Trippier and Newcastle are desperate to end the club’s long trophy drought.

Ahead of the game, United boss Erik ten Hag said he finds Newcastle “annoying” to play against with the Toon becoming increasingly well-known for their ability to manage games using cynical tactics.

The right-back told the Guardian that he’s a big fan of this side of the game.

Trippier said: “I love it. The best for me was Atlético Madrid’s Stefan Savic.

“He used to pull people’s hair, even in training. It was crazy but I love all that. Of course, opposition fans aren’t going to like it but I think it’s good to see.

“I don’t see why everyone’s kicking off about it: it’s good!”

Trippier arrived at St James’ Park just over a year ago after returning to England after a three year stay Atlético Madrid.

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He credited his time abroad with helping him adapt to football’s dark arts.

The 32-year-old added: “I’ve experienced these things a lot in Spain.

“It’s about when to slow a game down. If the opposition are on top, of course you’ve got to kill the game. You’re not going to allow them to take a quick throw-in and say: ‘Carry on.’ 

“Some teams aren’t happy with us this season but it’s about being clever.”

Even discounting their cup run, Newcastle are enjoying their best season in years.

The club are currently fifth, four points behind Tottenham with two games in hand.