r00fie1
Well-known member
Carrick v Sunderland Feb 2024
Hows the break been?
Its been good actually. The boys had a couple of days off over the weekend. It was probably a good time to take a bit of a rest and deep breath, freshen up a little bit, minds and bodies and, come back really well actually. Trained really, really well since we came back. There`s a bit of a spark and freshness about them, which is good. [The] squad`s stronger and the boys back in and around it, so yeah, the boys are in a good place.
Kav and Rogers gone. No new strikers. What does that mean for the team?
Finn was obviously brought in, so that made us stronger going into that. In effect, Morgan [Rogers] is a like-for-like. Kav, obviously being a younger player….some younger players come through and are kind of able to get through to the first team and have the career [here] and, at other times, its about making a career somewhere else. So we wish Kav all the best from every one at the club. It was nice for me to get him on the pitch and for him to have that experience and, now he`s gone on to develop and something new. Morgan was one of them….you take it as a one-off situation and every transfers different. It was one of those that kind of fit for everyone really in the end. So it is what it is. Mixed feelings in a way, because we were looking forward to kind of developing Morgan, but at the same time, [being] realistic to understand the situation for what it was. But, in terms of the squad, we`re strong you know, we got good options, we got boys coming back fit and, we`re looking forward to the games coming up.
Sounds you wanted to keep Rogers, but good business for the club?
Yeah of course. But you got to be realistic for sure and, for Morgan as well. He`s a Birmingham lad and [I`m] not really sure where they [Villa] are in the Premier League, [but] its a massive opportunity for him and we understand that. I`m not saying that`ll happen with everyone and, its not a policy of the club by any stretch, but I think you got to take everything on an individual basis. That [transfer] was kind of right in the end for everyone even though, we`de have loved to have kept him and worked with him and, see how good he could become. But, sometimes that`s football you know. We move move on, just as Morgan will, but certainly, we wish him all the best. I hope he fulfill`s all the potential that he`s got.
Sunderland since Michael Beale?
We obviously know they`ve got good players…..a lot of younger players with a hugely talented team. You can see he`s come in and tweaked a couple of things and changed a couple of things, as you`de expect. [we`ve] watched a number of games now. It was a big result for them last week and they played really well, so….we know what we`re up against for sure, it will be a big test.
Both teams looking to get promoted. This games feels particularly `Key`?
Yeah, in some ways of course. There`s an importance to it without doubt. [Its] key in terms of setting us up for the next little bit. Give us a chance of getting three points, of course. If we can of course, end up taking three points off them just as they`ll be looking to do the same with us. So there is that…..[but] will it tell the whole story of the season? No. Its not going to be a make or break game, in terms of the rest of the season. It`ll definitely give us a boost, if we can put the right performance in and get the right result.
Carricks first “Tees-Wear Derby”. How much is he looking forward to it?
Yeah. Really looking forward to it. I obviously expect a terrific atmosphere. I look back to the support we had at Chelsea not so long ago…..but the support was incredible. The reaction they gave us at the end of the game after a defeat like that was pretty special. To bring that atmosphere and that level of support and noise….and for us to give them a little bit more to shout about, would be the ideal scenario.
How much will that Chelsea defeat spurn on the team?
Honestly, we`ve kind of forgotten about it really. I think the boys have moved on tremendously well from it, made the most of the experience...ups and downs of course. It didn’t end up the way we wanted, but the boys did tremendously well to put themselves in that position. We just fell short in the end, so thats how it is. But, as I said….the boys went away, cleared their heads, freshened up their bodies [and] come back really sharp and focused on looking forward really and, [I`m] excited by the potential we`ve got in the group.
Will the 4-0 result in October impoact both teams on Sunday?
No. I think these games tend to be one-offs. They tend to be there`s not much you can rely on going into the game, which will give you the story line of whats going to happen [smile]. Its all about what happens, who gets up out of bed early enough and prepares well enough [smile] for the early kick off. We wont be looking too much into whats happened in the past. Its all about Sunday.
How does Carrick feel about the squad now after dead-line day?
I think we got a really good strong squad. We`re balanced pretty well with the additions we brought in, I think that was important for us. [We`re] covered in pretty much every position. Of course, we want the boys back who are carrying niggles and injuries at the moment...then we`ll be even stronger. As it stands, I`ve felt that in training over the last week that the squad is definitely getting stronger, in a good place, [with] a good mix of experience and seniority, as well as youth and talent if you like. Potential talent, so yeah. Happy, see what we can do.
Hows Manny [Latte Lath]?
He`s a little bit away yet.
Is that months or weeks?
Nah. Nah. A few weeks yeah, rather than days.
Josh Coburn?
He`s trained. He`s trained. [We`ve] had to `Manage` him quite a bit over recent weeks, maybe leading into months, so that`s part of the responsibility of us getting that right really….trying to manage [Josh] and make the best of what he can do at the moment. Yeah, he`s fine.
Has Carrick got enough goals in the current squad?
For sure. I think when you look at it, we got Riley and Sammy away at the moment. Manu [Latte Lath] who`s not far away. I`ve said to you before about buying players for the sake of a few weeks is not always the answer and, for us, bringing players into the group…...its vital….they got to improve you, they got to be the right ones for different reasons. So its not a case of just bringing someone in just [as a] stop-gap or for filling a slot. They have to really improve us and there has to be a really good reason for that. We feel that the players we have brought in we`re really happy with and for good reason they`re here. We`ve seen that already. But, certainly in forward areas, we`re flexible. [The] boys can play across the forward line, we can mix it up a little bit in terms of positioning, which is good for us. We certainly feel there are enough goals throughout the team to make the difference.
Isaiah Jones?
Izzy`s a bit further off. He`s a few weeks, yeah.
Dieng?
He`s kind of just getting back to training. [Its] funny in a way. He was due to go away anyway and he ended up getting injured. We probably wouldnt have had him anyway, but he`s getting back to training….kind of ease him back in some ways and make sure that he`s ready and trains enough to be ready to play.
After the break, does this feel like a fresh start for the `final stretch`?
I think the season goes like that. There`s chapters really and almost little windows through the season if you like, you know. Sometimes its geared with International weeks or leading up to a certain period and, now for sure, once the window`s closed in January….the Cup competitions for us are done, then it kind of really lays a focus on what`s ahead. We got the squad. we`re happy with it. [The] boys are coming back fit and in a good place, so it is the next important chapter for us to get right.
Luke Thomas?
We`re delighted to have Luke. I think he brings things….for a younger player he brings an awful lot of experience at top level really. When the opportunity came for us it was an important one that we made the most of. [With] Alex being out for a good number of weeks, it was important that we had cover and balance within the group. He brings an awful lot of quality, so we`re delighted to have him with us for the rest of the season.
Alex out until the back end of the season.
Yeah, probably, yeah….probably another eight weeks or so
Gilbert: is Carrick hopeful he will challenge for a place in the team?
Without doubt, they know that….as a younger player that`s the challenge you know. Of bridging that gap and making the jump really. A lot of that comes from training, the performances down in training and a little bit of timing and, getting the opportunity and something opening up for you. So, that kind of bracket in your career really is taking the next step. That`s certainly the challenge for Alex [Gilbert]. You know, obviously, we`re here to help him develop and try and create that opportunity for him, so its a two-way thing.
Gilbert: what is Carrick doing to help him?
Of course we `manage` it. I think….of course I talk to all the players. I like to think we got a relationship with all the players at certain times. There`s only so much talking you can do as well for me. I think…..a lot of it comes from performances as well, you know. As I said, training well, learning, developing, improving and then [filling] gaps or chances in the team at the right time. We work with the players….quite closely in that at the right times, to try and help them get the best out of them.
Does the early kick-off effect preparation?
I think you got to adapt, in terms of making a big deal of it…….its not a major deal, but I do think there`s little things you need to do to adapt. Its very different playing at twelve o`clock to playing a night game on the same day for instance and, the time you`ve got to prep…..what you eat, what time you eat, how you eat, how you sleep….all that sort of stuff. So there is a bit of a change, but ultimately once you`re there and you`re ready, its the same preparation and the same build-up to the game. Its almost irrelevant when you`re at the stadium, what time of the day it is.
r00fie1 02/02/24
Hows the break been?
Its been good actually. The boys had a couple of days off over the weekend. It was probably a good time to take a bit of a rest and deep breath, freshen up a little bit, minds and bodies and, come back really well actually. Trained really, really well since we came back. There`s a bit of a spark and freshness about them, which is good. [The] squad`s stronger and the boys back in and around it, so yeah, the boys are in a good place.
Kav and Rogers gone. No new strikers. What does that mean for the team?
Finn was obviously brought in, so that made us stronger going into that. In effect, Morgan [Rogers] is a like-for-like. Kav, obviously being a younger player….some younger players come through and are kind of able to get through to the first team and have the career [here] and, at other times, its about making a career somewhere else. So we wish Kav all the best from every one at the club. It was nice for me to get him on the pitch and for him to have that experience and, now he`s gone on to develop and something new. Morgan was one of them….you take it as a one-off situation and every transfers different. It was one of those that kind of fit for everyone really in the end. So it is what it is. Mixed feelings in a way, because we were looking forward to kind of developing Morgan, but at the same time, [being] realistic to understand the situation for what it was. But, in terms of the squad, we`re strong you know, we got good options, we got boys coming back fit and, we`re looking forward to the games coming up.
Sounds you wanted to keep Rogers, but good business for the club?
Yeah of course. But you got to be realistic for sure and, for Morgan as well. He`s a Birmingham lad and [I`m] not really sure where they [Villa] are in the Premier League, [but] its a massive opportunity for him and we understand that. I`m not saying that`ll happen with everyone and, its not a policy of the club by any stretch, but I think you got to take everything on an individual basis. That [transfer] was kind of right in the end for everyone even though, we`de have loved to have kept him and worked with him and, see how good he could become. But, sometimes that`s football you know. We move move on, just as Morgan will, but certainly, we wish him all the best. I hope he fulfill`s all the potential that he`s got.
Sunderland since Michael Beale?
We obviously know they`ve got good players…..a lot of younger players with a hugely talented team. You can see he`s come in and tweaked a couple of things and changed a couple of things, as you`de expect. [we`ve] watched a number of games now. It was a big result for them last week and they played really well, so….we know what we`re up against for sure, it will be a big test.
Both teams looking to get promoted. This games feels particularly `Key`?
Yeah, in some ways of course. There`s an importance to it without doubt. [Its] key in terms of setting us up for the next little bit. Give us a chance of getting three points, of course. If we can of course, end up taking three points off them just as they`ll be looking to do the same with us. So there is that…..[but] will it tell the whole story of the season? No. Its not going to be a make or break game, in terms of the rest of the season. It`ll definitely give us a boost, if we can put the right performance in and get the right result.
Carricks first “Tees-Wear Derby”. How much is he looking forward to it?
Yeah. Really looking forward to it. I obviously expect a terrific atmosphere. I look back to the support we had at Chelsea not so long ago…..but the support was incredible. The reaction they gave us at the end of the game after a defeat like that was pretty special. To bring that atmosphere and that level of support and noise….and for us to give them a little bit more to shout about, would be the ideal scenario.
How much will that Chelsea defeat spurn on the team?
Honestly, we`ve kind of forgotten about it really. I think the boys have moved on tremendously well from it, made the most of the experience...ups and downs of course. It didn’t end up the way we wanted, but the boys did tremendously well to put themselves in that position. We just fell short in the end, so thats how it is. But, as I said….the boys went away, cleared their heads, freshened up their bodies [and] come back really sharp and focused on looking forward really and, [I`m] excited by the potential we`ve got in the group.
Will the 4-0 result in October impoact both teams on Sunday?
No. I think these games tend to be one-offs. They tend to be there`s not much you can rely on going into the game, which will give you the story line of whats going to happen [smile]. Its all about what happens, who gets up out of bed early enough and prepares well enough [smile] for the early kick off. We wont be looking too much into whats happened in the past. Its all about Sunday.
How does Carrick feel about the squad now after dead-line day?
I think we got a really good strong squad. We`re balanced pretty well with the additions we brought in, I think that was important for us. [We`re] covered in pretty much every position. Of course, we want the boys back who are carrying niggles and injuries at the moment...then we`ll be even stronger. As it stands, I`ve felt that in training over the last week that the squad is definitely getting stronger, in a good place, [with] a good mix of experience and seniority, as well as youth and talent if you like. Potential talent, so yeah. Happy, see what we can do.
Hows Manny [Latte Lath]?
He`s a little bit away yet.
Is that months or weeks?
Nah. Nah. A few weeks yeah, rather than days.
Josh Coburn?
He`s trained. He`s trained. [We`ve] had to `Manage` him quite a bit over recent weeks, maybe leading into months, so that`s part of the responsibility of us getting that right really….trying to manage [Josh] and make the best of what he can do at the moment. Yeah, he`s fine.
Has Carrick got enough goals in the current squad?
For sure. I think when you look at it, we got Riley and Sammy away at the moment. Manu [Latte Lath] who`s not far away. I`ve said to you before about buying players for the sake of a few weeks is not always the answer and, for us, bringing players into the group…...its vital….they got to improve you, they got to be the right ones for different reasons. So its not a case of just bringing someone in just [as a] stop-gap or for filling a slot. They have to really improve us and there has to be a really good reason for that. We feel that the players we have brought in we`re really happy with and for good reason they`re here. We`ve seen that already. But, certainly in forward areas, we`re flexible. [The] boys can play across the forward line, we can mix it up a little bit in terms of positioning, which is good for us. We certainly feel there are enough goals throughout the team to make the difference.
Isaiah Jones?
Izzy`s a bit further off. He`s a few weeks, yeah.
Dieng?
He`s kind of just getting back to training. [Its] funny in a way. He was due to go away anyway and he ended up getting injured. We probably wouldnt have had him anyway, but he`s getting back to training….kind of ease him back in some ways and make sure that he`s ready and trains enough to be ready to play.
After the break, does this feel like a fresh start for the `final stretch`?
I think the season goes like that. There`s chapters really and almost little windows through the season if you like, you know. Sometimes its geared with International weeks or leading up to a certain period and, now for sure, once the window`s closed in January….the Cup competitions for us are done, then it kind of really lays a focus on what`s ahead. We got the squad. we`re happy with it. [The] boys are coming back fit and in a good place, so it is the next important chapter for us to get right.
Luke Thomas?
We`re delighted to have Luke. I think he brings things….for a younger player he brings an awful lot of experience at top level really. When the opportunity came for us it was an important one that we made the most of. [With] Alex being out for a good number of weeks, it was important that we had cover and balance within the group. He brings an awful lot of quality, so we`re delighted to have him with us for the rest of the season.
Alex out until the back end of the season.
Yeah, probably, yeah….probably another eight weeks or so
Gilbert: is Carrick hopeful he will challenge for a place in the team?
Without doubt, they know that….as a younger player that`s the challenge you know. Of bridging that gap and making the jump really. A lot of that comes from training, the performances down in training and a little bit of timing and, getting the opportunity and something opening up for you. So, that kind of bracket in your career really is taking the next step. That`s certainly the challenge for Alex [Gilbert]. You know, obviously, we`re here to help him develop and try and create that opportunity for him, so its a two-way thing.
Gilbert: what is Carrick doing to help him?
Of course we `manage` it. I think….of course I talk to all the players. I like to think we got a relationship with all the players at certain times. There`s only so much talking you can do as well for me. I think…..a lot of it comes from performances as well, you know. As I said, training well, learning, developing, improving and then [filling] gaps or chances in the team at the right time. We work with the players….quite closely in that at the right times, to try and help them get the best out of them.
Does the early kick-off effect preparation?
I think you got to adapt, in terms of making a big deal of it…….its not a major deal, but I do think there`s little things you need to do to adapt. Its very different playing at twelve o`clock to playing a night game on the same day for instance and, the time you`ve got to prep…..what you eat, what time you eat, how you eat, how you sleep….all that sort of stuff. So there is a bit of a change, but ultimately once you`re there and you`re ready, its the same preparation and the same build-up to the game. Its almost irrelevant when you`re at the stadium, what time of the day it is.
r00fie1 02/02/24