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

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.

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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.

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“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.

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“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.”