Newcastle will drop the curtain on the 2022/23 Premier League season with a game at Stamford Bridge against a struggling Chelsea side.
Should they win and Man United fail to win against Fulham, the Magpies will jump the Red Devils to third position.
Even if the status quo stays the same, fourth place is very commendable from Eddie Howe and his team.
Champions League football is already guaranteed for the 2023/24 season and for that, Howe will need to get the absolute maximum out of his squad.
Breaking into Europe has probably been a bit quicker than expected, and it’s a test for Howe and his backroom staff to keep the team competitive both domestically and in Europe.
One player who seems to benefit from staying at the club for another season is Martin Dubravka.
According to quotes published by Toon talkHowe has promised the signing of Rafa Benitez that he will play much more than in the 2022/23 season.
“I really hope his future is here. I rate Martin very highly, always have.” noted the Newcastle manager.
“It’s just that last summer we had the opportunity to recruit Nick (Pope) and Nick did incredibly well, so it was difficult for Martin to get the playing time he wanted.
“We need as good a squad as we can going into a season where we’re going to have plenty of games, so if Martin were to stay I think he’d get a lot of football.”
Up to this point, Howe seemed to keep his word and very rarely says anything other than giving straight answers in interviews.
Dubravka now apparently has a choice of whether to take what his manager says at face value and sit back waiting for his chance, or start making moves to see what other opportunities may be open to him.
