Newcastle United keeper Martin Dubravka has thanked the fans for their support after facing criticism for his role in the 3-1 defeat against Liverpool on Saturday.
The Slovakian international’s mistake in the first half allowed the Reds to go into half-time at 2-1 after he was indecisive in his decision making and allowed Sadio Mane to claim his second goal in the game.
Jermaine Jenas slammed the experienced stopper for his performance, labelling the 30-year-old as weak on BT Sport, claiming he needs to sort himself out.
Dubravka has responded and simply praised the Newcastle fans for chanting his name throughout the game despite his mistake.
“It was an amazing feeling,” he told the Chronicle.
“They are always behind us and we know that and appreciate it.”
“I enjoy playing in front of them every week.”
OPINION
The passionate Newcastle fans will always get behind their players, but Dubravka must not think that his mistake will be forgotten, and he must improve in the coming weeks. When travelling to places such as Anfield to face the Premier League table-toppers, your keeper must be strong, and the Slovakian was simply not good enough. It is clear that the Reds love to get the ball out wide and fire crosses along the six-yard box, but Dubravka was sleeping for the second goal which ultimately handed Liverpool all three points. Jenas was right to slam the 30-year-old, who had a poor afternoon and must improve in the crucial clash with Brighton. Many Newcastle fans did question the future of the Slovakian after the Chronicle reported he was close to signing a new contract on Sunday, which further highlights that he needs to prove himself in the North East once again.
