MX23RW : Tuesday, February 26 07:11:39

Newcastle boss Benitez shows support for Dubravka

Newcastle boss Benitez shows support for Dubravka
© Reuters
The Slovakia international has been made to pay for recent errors.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has given his "100 per cent" backing to keeper Martin Dubravka ahead of a crucial Premier League showdown with relegation rivals Huddersfield.

The 30-year-old Slovakia international has enjoyed a fine first year on Tyneside but has been punished for high-profile errors in his last two games, one of which cost the Magpies a point at Tottenham and the other two at Wolves despite his manager's belief that he was fouled.

However, with Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman waiting in the wings, Benitez has told Dubravka to pick himself up and carry on.

He said: "After the Tottenham game, I was in contact with him and I was supporting him 100 per cent. After, still it's the same idea.

"He's a great keeper, he's a very good professional, and then every player in every position – like every manager – can make mistakes and it's how we react, the key.

"He is training harder, if it's possible, and he is fine."

Newcastle head into Saturday's game at St James' Park sitting just a point outside the relegation zone, but 14 better off than the bottom-of-the-table Yorkshiremen, who have managed just 11 all season.

However, Benitez has warned his players to take nothing for granted against a Huddersfield side which emerged from the Sky Bet Championship alongside his two seasons ago.

He said: "They have a good team spirit – they have had this during the whole season – so I think they will keep doing the same.

"Obviously the key for us is to do well, to score an early goal and then maybe you will have more confidence and it will be more difficult for them.

"But I think it will be a dangerous game because they will try to do their best without feeling too much pressure. Maybe they can express themselves in another way and can be more dangerous."

Benitez has big decisions to make ahead of the game, with only keeper Rob Elliot and central defender Ciaran Clark unavailable because of back and knee injuries respectively.

One of his most important will surround January acquisition Miguel Almiron, who made his debut at Wolves last time out and is pushing for a first start.

The manager said: "It's a dilemma, I know that. You have to decide which players have to be in the squad and players who have to wait, and it's not an easy decision."


Click here for more stories about Rafael Benitez

Click here for more stories about Huddersfield Town

Share this article now:
Huddersfield Town striker Karlan Grant warms up before his debut against Arsenal on February 9, 2019
Read Next:
Huddersfield boss Siewert could Grant rookie striker a chance
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool27206159154466
2Manchester CityMan City27212474205465
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs27200755272860
4Arsenal27165655371853
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd27157552351752
6Chelsea26155645291650
7Watford2711793935440
8Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2711793534140
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham27106113540-536
10Bournemouth27104133848-1034
11Everton2796123639-333
12Leicester CityLeicester2795133238-632
13Crystal Palace2786133135-430
14Burnley2786133148-1730
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2777132434-1028
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2676132839-1127
17Cardiff CityCardiff2774162552-2725
18Southampton2759132846-1824
19Fulham2745182661-3517
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield2725201450-3611

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account