Martin Dubravka reflects on Newcastle's visit to Wembley ahead of decision time on his future


The goalkeeper has impressed since joining on loan from Sparta Prague in January.
Dubravka kept Newcastle in the game against Watford last weekend and also denied Christian Eriksen and Danny Rose in the midweek defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAnd it will be decision time for Rafa Benitez after Sunday’s home game against Chelsea.
Dubravka, for his part, is happy to be playing his part for the team, which is 10th in the Premier League going into the last day of the season.
“You can expect that you can be busy at Wembley against Tottenham, but that’s why I’m in the goal – to try to help the players,” said Dubravka.
“They are trying to help me. We’re a team. We had two or three good opportunities where we could score.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBenitez suggested ahead of the Tottenham game that it would be “easy” to do a deal for Dubravka, given that there is a clause in his loan deal enabling United to make his move permanent.
Dubravka will discuss his future with Newcastle’s manager at the end of the season.
“We will see what’s going to happen after the last game,” said Dubravka.
United created the better first-half chances against Tottenham, but couldn’t find the net.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe home side regrouped at the break, and Harry Kane claimed all three points with a second-half strike.
“We created two or three good opportunities where we could score,” said Dubravka. “Unfortunately, if you don’t score against these big teams, they have control and can punish you.
“We had a system we would like to play and we did well in the first half. We needed to open the game a little bit in the second half if we wanted to score a goal.
“There were a few good moments where we could, but unfortunately we didn’t.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“It’s a fourth defeat in a row, and I really hope we win against Chelsea at home.”
Dubravka had previously played for Slovakia against England at Wembley.
“It was different,” he said. “If you’re playing for the national team, the atmosphere and the crowd is a little bit different. I think this time was louder for me.
“The atmosphere was great, two good teams. It was a great experience. Unfortunately, we lost.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDubravka wants to see the same attitude and application against Chelsea at St James’s Park.
“The fans are giving us so much energy (at St James’s Park),” said Dubravka.
“Also, at Wembley you could hear them. I’m so happy they are supporting us in each stadium. They travel a lot. I really hope that we will put the same attitude in (as against Tottenham). It was much better than against Watford. I really hope we will bring the same attitude.”