Martin Dubravka reveals what his relationship with Nick Pope is really like at Newcastle United.
Martin Dubravka is ahead of Nick Pope in the Newcastle United pecking order right now.
It is the first time since Nick Pope arrived that he has not been a regular starter, with his recent injury layoff coinciding with Martin Dubravka getting back to his best.
This time last season, Dubravka was Newcastle United’s first choice goalkeeper. He was playing in the absence of Pope, and was struggling to re-find his form. In truth, the Slovakian looked a shadow of his former self.
But now Dubravka is playing with confidence, and his arrival in the team coincided with the Magpies winning nine games in a row.
Pope is now fit once again, but has remained on the bench. He did start Newcastle’s FA Cup win over Birmingham City, but it feels likely that Dubravka will regain his place in the side against Manchester City on Saturday. The 36-year-old features in Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Man City.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka during the Newcastle United training session at the Newcastle United Training Centre on February 12, 2025 in Newcastle u…
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Martin Dubravka comments on playing ahead of Nick Pope at Newcastle United
The goalkeeping situation on Tyneside is very interesting, with Dubravka replacing Pope. It must be difficult for the England international, who had always been Eddie Howe’s first choice up until recently.
But Dubravka insists that he has a good relationship with Pope, admitting to Newcastle United’s official website that there is ‘healthy competition’ to be the number one.
“We are good colleagues, supportive,” he said.
“I think Nick respects the fact that I supported him over his time here. I never caused any issues, any tension between us. He is trying to do the same thing. We are at the same club and want to achieve the same things together.
“I think there is healthy competition for the spot, but I’m obviously happy that I can be in the goal now.”
Added incentive for Martin Dubravka to continue exceptional Newcastle United form
With Pope fit and available once again, Dubravka is suddenly under pressure to continue performing at this level.
Howe has preferred Pope in the past, so Dubravka must not give the Newcastle United manager any reason to make a change.
There is also the added incentive of the looming Carabao Cup final. Newcastle United face Liverpool at Wembley on March 16th, as the Magpies aim to end their trophy drought.
Every Toon player will be desperate to start that game, including Dubravka. If he can continue to play well, he should be on course to retain his place in the side.
This comes after Dubravka was forced to sit out the 2023 Carabao Cup final. Pope was suspended, but Dubravka was unable to play due to being cup-tied following a loan spell at Manchester United.
