Martin Dubravka believes Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez have already shown that they have what it takes to have a good Premier League season.
Martin Dubravka has openly disagreed with any critics of Newcastle United this season in an interview with the club’s official site.
The Magpies have had three tough performances in recent weeks, losing 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City, while drawing 0-0 with Cardiff City.
It was the manner of those performances that drew some criticism, however, as manager Rafa Benitez set his side out to frustrate rather than play – but it very nearly worked.
All of their defeats were by slim margins, with both winners against Chelsea and Man City coming very late on.
“I don’t agree if anyone says we are not in a good shape,” Dubravka told the club’s official website.
“We’ve played against very tough opponents and in all of the games, they were very close and we’ve missed a little bit of luck, especially against Tottenham.
“We could easily have taken a draw against Chelsea and unfortunately we didn’t win against Cardiff, but we created chances and stood compact, and if we play like we did against Manchester City – especially in the second half – we can be successful.”
Dubravka is right, of course – Newcastle have had as tough a start to the season as anyone and despite only one point from four games, they have been very unlucky not to get more against some of the league’s best sides.
The real test for the team will be what happens in games they’re expected to get something from. It’s important that the players look at their defeats not as failures but as proof of what they’re capable of.
If they can do that, and Dubravka certainly has that attitude, there’s no reason for Newcastle can’t pick up plenty of points this season.
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