Mauricio Pochettino says Kieran Trippier tried to contact him to clarify he felt that his words had been”twisted” while on international duty, when he appeared to criticise the club’s handling of his death.
The England right-back claimed last week that he”did not really get an answer” if he requested the chairman Daniel Levy about his future in the summer, before a 22m change to Atletico Madrid.Pochettino disclosed Trippier delivered him a text but he didn’t receive it leaving Harry Kane to pass on the message on the player’s return from international duty.
The Spurs boss explained:”I did not see [Trippier's comments], but I learned about it. I am able to explain how I really feel. We had a dialogue where he said he went to move to Atletico Madrid – nothing longer.
“Yesterday (Wednesday) when Harry Kane arrived back he said to me’did you get Kieran’s text?’ I said’no’ since I changed my number. Maybe because he doesn’t have the number.
“Since he think his words were I do not understand nothing longer. This message was interpreted by kieran Harry Kane . He wanted to inform me. However, I’ve got no problem with Kieran.
“In soccer decisions happen and players move from 1 club to another. What happened, happened and we will need to proceed and be content there and he needs to consider Atletico Madrid.
“There’s no point to speak about whether something happened or did not happen. The truth is 1 fact, but who’s appropriate in all this procedure? There’s no use in talking. However, I keep great memories from him.”
“Following the summer he came to watch me, he asked me to get a meeting and said’gaffer, I think I’ve a fantastic chance and for different reasons I’d love to take the deal in Atletico Madrid’.
“He did not ask me – just communicated whether the team were going to take the deal. Nothing more.
“It was not a conversation – you need me? Or you don’t want me? It was so apparent. He played the closing, when I had plenty of different options, with Serge Aurier, Davinson Sanchez, Kyle Walker-Peters. However he played the final. My activities speak over my mouth.”