Dubravka not ready to give up his starting spot
COMPETITION WELCOMED
I have ambitions to play obviously - and I am not going to hide that ... I did everything I could in pre-season - it is now up to the manager
MARTIN Dubravka says he is ready to fight for his place as he faces fresh – but welcome – competition from Nick Pope for a starting spot.
The Slovakian international could start the new campaign on the bench after Newcastle spent £10million to sign England goalkeeper Pope from relegated Burnley this summer.
The club’s first-choice goalkeeper since he moved to Tyneside in January 2018, Dubravka insists he will not give up his place easily and has reiterated his desire to play to The Chronicle.
Pope and Dubravka both played last weekend, the former in goal for the 1-0 win over Atalanta and the latter appearing in the 2-1 victory over Bilbao.
However, only one will be able to start in the Premier League opener, leaving one of the international duo disappointed.
“I have ambitions to play - and obviously I am not going to hide that one, it is the same for everyone,” said Dubravka, who has kept 37 clean sheets in 130 appearances for the Magpies.
“The goalkeeper position is special and unique, only one can be on the pitch. Let’s see what life will bring.
“Nothing has really changed. Competition is good for everyone.
“I have said that many times, everywhere I have been before I have had to fight for my position.
“I did everything I could in preseason in my eyes - it is now up to the manager so we will see.”
While Dubravka has faced some degree of competition from Karl Darlow during his time with Newacstle, Pope’s arrival has raised the stakes for the former Sparta Prague shot-stopper.
He fought his way to the top after an early career with Zilina, Esbjerg, Slovan Liberec and Prague before stepping on to the Premier League stage at 29 before showing his class with a clean sheet against Manchester United.
From that moment on he won a place in the hearts of the St James’ Park faithful.
Dubravka’s mantra of hard work will not change this season.
He added: “I started to play when I was 19 and I had to prove then I deserved to take the shirt. At previous clubs it has been the same situation.
“We know we are in the process of building the team so it is like that. The only thing you can do is focus on the job.”
He said: “It is always special to play at St James’ Park. They always give you that special welcome on to the field and all the way through. It is just a special place.
“That is why the appreciation is there after each game, we just want to give them something back.”
He added: “I have been here nearly five years now. “This feels like my home. My son was born here and I have a house here.
“I feel at home, the people are so nice here and I feel I can call them friends.
“It is a nice place to live and then the club speaks for itself, a fantastic club, huge club and amazing fanbase.”
Dubravka staked his claim in preseason with a string of good displays. Looking back on an intense summer, he added: “It was a good way to finish off pre-season. It was a good test for us and we played a couple of strong teams.
“Most people got 90 minutes so it all went well. They were both tough games against Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao so it is credit to the lads because they did a great job - but next week is the real test against Nottingham Forest.”