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Kieran fighting fitter

Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier thought he was super-fit… until Mauricio Pochettino made him feel like a fat boy

England international revealed the Spurs ‘pinch more than an inch’ test made him realise he had some hard work ahead

KIERAN TRIPPIER thought he was super-fit until he joined Tottenham – when Mauricio Pochettino made him feel like a fat boy.

The England full-back joined Spurs from Burnley two years ago with his body-fat percentage better than most of his Clarets team-mates.

 Kieran Trippier says he was not as fit as he thought when he joined Tottenham
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Kieran Trippier says he was not as fit as he thought when he joined TottenhamCredit: Rex Features

But when Pochettino’s hardline Tottenham medics gave him the ‘pinch more than an inch’ test, Trippier swears they pinched him harder than they used to at Burnley.

Trippier said: “I wasn’t in the best shape when I came to Tottenham and the manager let me know that.

"Within six months there I was in great condition.

“You learn a lot from the nutritionists. It’s just about eating things at the right times, otherwise it’ll catch up on you.

 Mauricio Pochettino made Kieran Trippier realise he needed to lose some weight
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Mauricio Pochettino made Kieran Trippier realise he needed to lose some weightCredit: Reuters
 Kieran Trippier is now fitter than ever and ready to face Germany for England
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Kieran Trippier is now fitter than ever and ready to face Germany for EnglandCredit: Getty Images - Getty

“I thought I was in good shape. When I was at Burnley and we got our body fat done I had a really good percentage. Sean Dyche was happy.

“I went to Tottenham and I was well high - I think they pinch you tougher at Tottenham - that’s what I think.


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“Unless it was my all-inclusive holiday in Mexico. Must’ve been the mojitos!

“I was much higher than what I was at Burnley, and I had to lose it all. Which I did.

 Kieran Trippier joined Tottenham from Burnley two years ago and has gone from strength to strength
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Kieran Trippier joined Tottenham from Burnley two years ago and has gone from strength to strengthCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Kirean Trippier is now looking at cementing his place in the England side
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Kirean Trippier is now looking at cementing his place in the England sideCredit: Getty - Contributor

“At Burnley I’d enjoy myself with my missus and friends, but because at Tottenham we’re playing Saturday-Tuesday, even Wednesday-Sunday, and with the intensity we play at, playing in the Champions League, we can’t afford to have a night out.

“The training at Tottenham is intense but the structure is set out perfectly - in the gym, running, sometimes double sessions. Every player at Tottenham is in great shape.”

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