Newcastle United pushed themselves seven points above the relegation zone with a vital 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town at the weekend, significantly bolstering their chances of avoiding an immediate return to the Championship.
The Magpies performed admirably throughout the clash, frustrating the Terriers and limiting them to zero shots on target, but goalkeeper Martin Dubravka described the game as ‘difficult’ despite his lack of challenges in the game.
Quoted by The Chronicle, Dubravka stated he was suffering with jet lag after representing Slovakia on international duty in Thailand, handing the Newcastle loanee a mammoth 11,000km round trip.
“It was very important for us. It was a difficult game for us. We tried to control the game, but it was difficult to play against a team which was standing in front of the box. For a keeper, it’s one of the worst games when you don’t have so much to do but need to be ready. It was important that we won.”
“I don’t think [I had any real shots to save], but that’s the worst for the keeper. You need to be focused for 90 minutes with not so much to do, but the defenders made this game very easy for me.”
“I couldn’t sleep! I still have it [jet lag]. It was really difficult for me. For the first two days, I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t use the sleeping pills. It’s a bit better now. I’m tired after the game, but I have friends and family here, so I’m happy that I can see them.”
Dubravka will hope that his sleeping pattern is back to normal this weekend, where the Magpies face another important game against Leicester City.
