r00fie1
Well-known member
[Transcript from Thursday 30th Nov 2023 Media Conference]
Carrick v Leeds
Satisfied with Tuesday night?
[Huge smile].A wins a win. Of course, they`re a joy when you get them. They are definitely not easy to come by in this league...so, yeah it was a good win. It was an obvious challenge, we had a few changes and a few injuries, and I thought the boys were fabulous: played great as a team, played really well individually and got the result...so it was a really good night for us.
Matt Clarke after so long out - `especially welcome`?
That was the biggest thing for me .....along with young Law [McCabe] making his debut, were the two standouts for me on the night. The game was good when the game was good, but to see `Clarkie` back on the pitch from….the kind of whole process he`s been through really, to make it was great.
What makes Law McCabe `special`?
He`s trained with us and its great that he`s made his debut, but I`m not going to put loads on Law`s shoulders you know. He`s a young boy, he`s making his way in the game [and] he`s learning. The biggest thing about him for me is his attitude, character and personality. He`s a humble lad, works hard...listens and does all the right things. He`s given himself the best chance to have a good future and he`s certainly got attributes and ability to be able to do that. He`s got to be patient, take it step by step. Its a long road but he`s certainly making good progress at this moment.
Yorkshire `Derby`. Set up any differently or say anything to the players?
[Big smile] Nah. I don’t think we do. Of course you respect the game it is and the situation it is. I`m sure I`ll get a nice warm welcome [big smile] when I go there as well. But that`s great you know, that`s football, you want that emotion, that passion and that feeling. Some games bring different kinds of atmosphere`s , but really its for us to prepare for the game. Its business as usual...where the players have played in some big games since I`ve been here, in different challenging atmosphere`s and dealt with it very well, so I don’t worry about that side of things at all.
Beaten Preston, so confidence high against Leeds?
Yeah, but we`re sensible you know and we understand this league and the challenge we face. [Leeds]...are a very good team with largely Premier League players, or players who have experienced the Premier League, which does kind of make a difference. But...the boys have shown against Southampton [and] Leicester that we are capable of challenging and playing well against teams that have come down. So its a whole new game and I`m sure if we play what we`re capable of then we`ve got a chance. I`m not saying it`ll be easy and the fact we`ve just beaten Preston kind of…...it becomes at three o`clock Saturday kind of irrelevant. The boys will be looking forward to the game, be ready for it, but we know what its like….anything can happen in these games
Are the squad in a `good place`?
I think we`ve been good for a period of time to be honest...largely the performances have been pretty good and [as I`ve said] even when we havent won, some of them performances have been better…..so from my point of view you kind of take that….because performances give you the chance to build things and put things together, and over a long period of time, a result is a one off if you don’t play great and you win….its good for that…...but its not really sustainable, so there`s a balance. [Good] results is what we all want, but we try to put things in place over a period of time that`ll give us a good chance and we`re getting there…….not getting carried away….but we`re building. The squad`s looking strong for the fact we`ve got so many injuries and yet the team we are still able to put out, is a credit to the players and their quality….how they`ve trained and look after each other and we`re able to still perform at such a high level.
Leeds a `yard stick` game?
I would`nt really use it as a measure….its just another game for us. Its a tough game. Its one of the tougher games on paper that you`ll face. It doesn’t always mean that much, but going into the game we are well aware of what the possible challenge(s) are ahead. Its not going to make or break our season in terms of tell us are we good enough or are we not good enough. Its a great game for us to go there and try and win for sure.
Did Carrick enjoy that `crackling` atmosphere at Man U. Does he encourage our players to enjoy it?
You have to enjoy it. All them atmospheres that are classed as `hostile` or difficult to play in, they`re the best ones [Big smile]. They`re the ones I enjoyed the most, so….speaking to the boys I`ll pass that on at the right time. Some people see that as being a bit tough and a bit uncomfortable, but for me its exactly what we want.
Howson originally from Leeds. How important is a calm head in that environment?
Experience is a wonderful thing to help you with situations, its strange in some ways...there`s kind of extremes: you`ll get the really experienced players that have been through a lot, seen a lot and know what it feels like – trying to keep the emotions in check, [keep] concentration levels in check. Then sometimes, at the other end of the scale, when its new, the freshness of young players and the excitement of playing a game like that...playing almost without a care in the world, of [not] knowing what could possibly go wrong. There`s that side of it as well. Then you get the bit in the middle where you still kind of getting experience and…….not quite so fresh. Maybe had a set-back or two in one of these games….so your managing in it, but certainly, experience helps when you use it the right way. Players like Jonny [Howson] is the stand-out one for that, in terms of leading by example really.
Jonny was out injured then came straight back in. Must have been tough?
Sums up what you know what Jonny really is and how he respects his profession and respects his body and looks after it in the right way. He trains well, has an unbelievable attitude and to still be playing at the age he`s at , at such a level, for me he`s still got more to come. Its not counting down the days by any stretch. Its a credit to him, not just how its been over the last few weeks if you`re injured, [professionalism] builds up over a long period of time.
How much has Hayden Hackney learnt from Jonny at Boro?
Hayden is as good at answering that as me….probably better. I do think, looking from my point of view, that he`s had someone next to him to be able to rely on and had good players in that midfield with him. We had Alex [Mowatt] last season in there, who was a really solid character – unbelievable trainer. Dan [Barlaser] as well now. Alex and Dan – two of the best trainers we`ve had since we`ve been here. That rubs off on Hayden as well . He`s got good people, he`s had good people around him and he`ll certainly benefit from that.
Latte Lath quite unpredictable. Do you embrace that in his game?
For sure. Listen. We bring players to the club because of what they can do. We`ve got a way of trying to play and there`s a structure to it….but there`s an element of freedom and expression, as long as its within the structure and you`re working for the team. Everyone`s different, so we don’t want to create everyone to play the same way. Lathe is what he is. You know he`s sharp, he`s unpredictable, he`s quick around the box, he can finnish with both feet. He scored with his head and he brings that for us. He`s different to Josh [Coburn]. Josh is what he is and does terrific at what he does. So there`s always the balance between bringing players in for reasons - shaping them a little bit, helping them and letting them fit in….then there`s a little bit on them with [different] wave-lengths really [as] individuals...[who] has connections with who they`re playing with and understanding each others game. I think Jonny created a good chance for “Manny” [Lathe] the other night, where Jonny`s gone through the middle and played a through-ball to Manny, who`s got down the side and that`s his game you know. Its a little bit of playing to each others strengths within the system. Sometimes that takes time, but I`m sure Manny will do well and score goals for us.
Two different types of strikers give two different options?
We[ve] made that call. There`s no hiding from the fact….they bring what they bring, which is fantastic for us to have the options. Who knows, they can play together as well in different ways, if we go down that route at some point. So its definitely good to have the options.
Will josh have to be `Managed` carefully through the season?
That`s a big responsibility for me and the staff as well: working together to look after the younger players and look after Josh and managing the [likes of] Laws [Mccabe]….not expecting too much of them all the time. Sometimes they might get a little frustrated about that because you know that….they want to play. They don’t see that side of it - but we need to protect them a little bit and look after them and not expect too much [like] playing week-in week-out.….That lands on our toes a little bit in managing that, because its not just last week, this week or next week. Its...we`re going through to May and we need everyone [smile], especially at the moment to carry us through.
Does Carrick have many good memories of Elland Road over the years?
I think I`ve played there once or twice with West Ham….I only played there a couple of times with United actually. I remember playing Centre Half in a League Cup game….I think we won two or three nil. Unfortunately in some ways, because of the great rivalry when I was at United, we didn’t get to play each other too much. Its a good stadium and the fans….at the moment are on a good run in terms of six-in-a-row at home….so its a good place for them to play. They`ll be looking forward to the game just as much as us, so it should be a really good one.
Does it feel `fair` that other clubs have much more money to spend?
[Another big smile – shrug`s shoulders] Its the way of the world is`nt it. That`s football. Some clubs ….have different structures and different foundations. Some have more money than others, some have different owners. Some are bigger than others, that`s how it is. [Laughs] For us its what happens on saturday on the pitch really. That`s our focus: to have the belief in the players to have the confidence to go there and play their own game and believe that we can go there and win…...and the understanding it wont be easy, but we`re ready for it. That`s really for us to worry about. The money side and parachute payments and who gets what [smiles] that`s way above me that.
Injuries?
We`ve got another day tomorrow [Friday] so we`ll see how Dael [Fry] is, how Hayden [Hackney] is. It could go either way really. Lucas Engel – we`re just waiting really...trying to give the boys as long as they need or can have and whether they can be involved in the weekend. Whether they start or miss it we`re still not sure really.
Lewis O`Brien?
He`s going through his rehab so he`s still a good number of weeks away really, but he`s making good progress. He`s in and around us here and working his way back really…..[smiles at the reporter] there`s a group with him at the moment.
Time frame on recovery?
[Shakes head] I`m not putting a time-frame on that. He`s been out for a number of weeks and he`d be out for a good few more weeks. But I don’t want to put that on, otherwise you`de be asking me `is he fit yet` `is he fit yet` [smiles at reporter] so I`m not going down that road just yet
Are our injuries `just bad luck`?
There`s a wide range [of injuries] you know. We look at [the situation] and what we can do better on a weekly basis and any injury we get we think what could we do better: is there something we could have avoided(?) Sometimes maybe you can, sometimes your thinking `we possibly could have` avoided and [sometimes] you just go `its one of them things`. If its a `twist` or an impact injury…..there`s all sorts come into it, but yeah you`re right, there`s such a variety that its difficult to pin anything down to really. Hopefully, we can get the boys back quick and make the most of it when they are back.
Why does Carrick give young players a chance?
Everyone needed to be given a chance. All the boys in the first team at the moment have needed [to] be given a chance at some point and there`s so much talent and ability….and potential around….we just try to give as many of them the opportunity as possible. That`s sometimes not just training with the first team, thats sometimes training, that`s whether we`re watching games as staff or whether they`re coming up and joining in with the first team. As I`ve said [all] along, its what the Academy`s [for]. All that money and time and effort goes into the Academy. Its there for a reason to try and get players into the first team. Of course, its down to the players as well and...being good enough and to do enough to warrant the chance. For us its a big part of what we are trying to do and encourage that and create ways that we can get them up with us more often.
Did Carrick discuss the Academy with Steve Gibson and Kiernan Scott and its importance to the club after he arrived?
Yes. Its a two way thing really. Its something that….I was kind of brought up at West Ham [where] it was a big part of the club…..I was at Tottenham for a short period, but going to United obviously….it has a huge history, so its kind of what I`ve been brought up with really, what I`m used to and its what I care about. That was kind of me. From a club`s point of view….even forgetting the money side and what it costs to buy the players, for the supporters to have local lads in the team and having that connection….[laughs] it can be very difficult to have a full team of them [Academy players], but, to have them does create that connection and hopefully that gives the supporters that extra little bit of spice and feeling and connection towards the team.
r00fie1 30/11/2023
Carrick v Leeds
Satisfied with Tuesday night?
[Huge smile].A wins a win. Of course, they`re a joy when you get them. They are definitely not easy to come by in this league...so, yeah it was a good win. It was an obvious challenge, we had a few changes and a few injuries, and I thought the boys were fabulous: played great as a team, played really well individually and got the result...so it was a really good night for us.
Matt Clarke after so long out - `especially welcome`?
That was the biggest thing for me .....along with young Law [McCabe] making his debut, were the two standouts for me on the night. The game was good when the game was good, but to see `Clarkie` back on the pitch from….the kind of whole process he`s been through really, to make it was great.
What makes Law McCabe `special`?
He`s trained with us and its great that he`s made his debut, but I`m not going to put loads on Law`s shoulders you know. He`s a young boy, he`s making his way in the game [and] he`s learning. The biggest thing about him for me is his attitude, character and personality. He`s a humble lad, works hard...listens and does all the right things. He`s given himself the best chance to have a good future and he`s certainly got attributes and ability to be able to do that. He`s got to be patient, take it step by step. Its a long road but he`s certainly making good progress at this moment.
Yorkshire `Derby`. Set up any differently or say anything to the players?
[Big smile] Nah. I don’t think we do. Of course you respect the game it is and the situation it is. I`m sure I`ll get a nice warm welcome [big smile] when I go there as well. But that`s great you know, that`s football, you want that emotion, that passion and that feeling. Some games bring different kinds of atmosphere`s , but really its for us to prepare for the game. Its business as usual...where the players have played in some big games since I`ve been here, in different challenging atmosphere`s and dealt with it very well, so I don’t worry about that side of things at all.
Beaten Preston, so confidence high against Leeds?
Yeah, but we`re sensible you know and we understand this league and the challenge we face. [Leeds]...are a very good team with largely Premier League players, or players who have experienced the Premier League, which does kind of make a difference. But...the boys have shown against Southampton [and] Leicester that we are capable of challenging and playing well against teams that have come down. So its a whole new game and I`m sure if we play what we`re capable of then we`ve got a chance. I`m not saying it`ll be easy and the fact we`ve just beaten Preston kind of…...it becomes at three o`clock Saturday kind of irrelevant. The boys will be looking forward to the game, be ready for it, but we know what its like….anything can happen in these games
Are the squad in a `good place`?
I think we`ve been good for a period of time to be honest...largely the performances have been pretty good and [as I`ve said] even when we havent won, some of them performances have been better…..so from my point of view you kind of take that….because performances give you the chance to build things and put things together, and over a long period of time, a result is a one off if you don’t play great and you win….its good for that…...but its not really sustainable, so there`s a balance. [Good] results is what we all want, but we try to put things in place over a period of time that`ll give us a good chance and we`re getting there…….not getting carried away….but we`re building. The squad`s looking strong for the fact we`ve got so many injuries and yet the team we are still able to put out, is a credit to the players and their quality….how they`ve trained and look after each other and we`re able to still perform at such a high level.
Leeds a `yard stick` game?
I would`nt really use it as a measure….its just another game for us. Its a tough game. Its one of the tougher games on paper that you`ll face. It doesn’t always mean that much, but going into the game we are well aware of what the possible challenge(s) are ahead. Its not going to make or break our season in terms of tell us are we good enough or are we not good enough. Its a great game for us to go there and try and win for sure.
Did Carrick enjoy that `crackling` atmosphere at Man U. Does he encourage our players to enjoy it?
You have to enjoy it. All them atmospheres that are classed as `hostile` or difficult to play in, they`re the best ones [Big smile]. They`re the ones I enjoyed the most, so….speaking to the boys I`ll pass that on at the right time. Some people see that as being a bit tough and a bit uncomfortable, but for me its exactly what we want.
Howson originally from Leeds. How important is a calm head in that environment?
Experience is a wonderful thing to help you with situations, its strange in some ways...there`s kind of extremes: you`ll get the really experienced players that have been through a lot, seen a lot and know what it feels like – trying to keep the emotions in check, [keep] concentration levels in check. Then sometimes, at the other end of the scale, when its new, the freshness of young players and the excitement of playing a game like that...playing almost without a care in the world, of [not] knowing what could possibly go wrong. There`s that side of it as well. Then you get the bit in the middle where you still kind of getting experience and…….not quite so fresh. Maybe had a set-back or two in one of these games….so your managing in it, but certainly, experience helps when you use it the right way. Players like Jonny [Howson] is the stand-out one for that, in terms of leading by example really.
Jonny was out injured then came straight back in. Must have been tough?
Sums up what you know what Jonny really is and how he respects his profession and respects his body and looks after it in the right way. He trains well, has an unbelievable attitude and to still be playing at the age he`s at , at such a level, for me he`s still got more to come. Its not counting down the days by any stretch. Its a credit to him, not just how its been over the last few weeks if you`re injured, [professionalism] builds up over a long period of time.
How much has Hayden Hackney learnt from Jonny at Boro?
Hayden is as good at answering that as me….probably better. I do think, looking from my point of view, that he`s had someone next to him to be able to rely on and had good players in that midfield with him. We had Alex [Mowatt] last season in there, who was a really solid character – unbelievable trainer. Dan [Barlaser] as well now. Alex and Dan – two of the best trainers we`ve had since we`ve been here. That rubs off on Hayden as well . He`s got good people, he`s had good people around him and he`ll certainly benefit from that.
Latte Lath quite unpredictable. Do you embrace that in his game?
For sure. Listen. We bring players to the club because of what they can do. We`ve got a way of trying to play and there`s a structure to it….but there`s an element of freedom and expression, as long as its within the structure and you`re working for the team. Everyone`s different, so we don’t want to create everyone to play the same way. Lathe is what he is. You know he`s sharp, he`s unpredictable, he`s quick around the box, he can finnish with both feet. He scored with his head and he brings that for us. He`s different to Josh [Coburn]. Josh is what he is and does terrific at what he does. So there`s always the balance between bringing players in for reasons - shaping them a little bit, helping them and letting them fit in….then there`s a little bit on them with [different] wave-lengths really [as] individuals...[who] has connections with who they`re playing with and understanding each others game. I think Jonny created a good chance for “Manny” [Lathe] the other night, where Jonny`s gone through the middle and played a through-ball to Manny, who`s got down the side and that`s his game you know. Its a little bit of playing to each others strengths within the system. Sometimes that takes time, but I`m sure Manny will do well and score goals for us.
Two different types of strikers give two different options?
We[ve] made that call. There`s no hiding from the fact….they bring what they bring, which is fantastic for us to have the options. Who knows, they can play together as well in different ways, if we go down that route at some point. So its definitely good to have the options.
Will josh have to be `Managed` carefully through the season?
That`s a big responsibility for me and the staff as well: working together to look after the younger players and look after Josh and managing the [likes of] Laws [Mccabe]….not expecting too much of them all the time. Sometimes they might get a little frustrated about that because you know that….they want to play. They don’t see that side of it - but we need to protect them a little bit and look after them and not expect too much [like] playing week-in week-out.….That lands on our toes a little bit in managing that, because its not just last week, this week or next week. Its...we`re going through to May and we need everyone [smile], especially at the moment to carry us through.
Does Carrick have many good memories of Elland Road over the years?
I think I`ve played there once or twice with West Ham….I only played there a couple of times with United actually. I remember playing Centre Half in a League Cup game….I think we won two or three nil. Unfortunately in some ways, because of the great rivalry when I was at United, we didn’t get to play each other too much. Its a good stadium and the fans….at the moment are on a good run in terms of six-in-a-row at home….so its a good place for them to play. They`ll be looking forward to the game just as much as us, so it should be a really good one.
Does it feel `fair` that other clubs have much more money to spend?
[Another big smile – shrug`s shoulders] Its the way of the world is`nt it. That`s football. Some clubs ….have different structures and different foundations. Some have more money than others, some have different owners. Some are bigger than others, that`s how it is. [Laughs] For us its what happens on saturday on the pitch really. That`s our focus: to have the belief in the players to have the confidence to go there and play their own game and believe that we can go there and win…...and the understanding it wont be easy, but we`re ready for it. That`s really for us to worry about. The money side and parachute payments and who gets what [smiles] that`s way above me that.
Injuries?
We`ve got another day tomorrow [Friday] so we`ll see how Dael [Fry] is, how Hayden [Hackney] is. It could go either way really. Lucas Engel – we`re just waiting really...trying to give the boys as long as they need or can have and whether they can be involved in the weekend. Whether they start or miss it we`re still not sure really.
Lewis O`Brien?
He`s going through his rehab so he`s still a good number of weeks away really, but he`s making good progress. He`s in and around us here and working his way back really…..[smiles at the reporter] there`s a group with him at the moment.
Time frame on recovery?
[Shakes head] I`m not putting a time-frame on that. He`s been out for a number of weeks and he`d be out for a good few more weeks. But I don’t want to put that on, otherwise you`de be asking me `is he fit yet` `is he fit yet` [smiles at reporter] so I`m not going down that road just yet
Are our injuries `just bad luck`?
There`s a wide range [of injuries] you know. We look at [the situation] and what we can do better on a weekly basis and any injury we get we think what could we do better: is there something we could have avoided(?) Sometimes maybe you can, sometimes your thinking `we possibly could have` avoided and [sometimes] you just go `its one of them things`. If its a `twist` or an impact injury…..there`s all sorts come into it, but yeah you`re right, there`s such a variety that its difficult to pin anything down to really. Hopefully, we can get the boys back quick and make the most of it when they are back.
Why does Carrick give young players a chance?
Everyone needed to be given a chance. All the boys in the first team at the moment have needed [to] be given a chance at some point and there`s so much talent and ability….and potential around….we just try to give as many of them the opportunity as possible. That`s sometimes not just training with the first team, thats sometimes training, that`s whether we`re watching games as staff or whether they`re coming up and joining in with the first team. As I`ve said [all] along, its what the Academy`s [for]. All that money and time and effort goes into the Academy. Its there for a reason to try and get players into the first team. Of course, its down to the players as well and...being good enough and to do enough to warrant the chance. For us its a big part of what we are trying to do and encourage that and create ways that we can get them up with us more often.
Did Carrick discuss the Academy with Steve Gibson and Kiernan Scott and its importance to the club after he arrived?
Yes. Its a two way thing really. Its something that….I was kind of brought up at West Ham [where] it was a big part of the club…..I was at Tottenham for a short period, but going to United obviously….it has a huge history, so its kind of what I`ve been brought up with really, what I`m used to and its what I care about. That was kind of me. From a club`s point of view….even forgetting the money side and what it costs to buy the players, for the supporters to have local lads in the team and having that connection….[laughs] it can be very difficult to have a full team of them [Academy players], but, to have them does create that connection and hopefully that gives the supporters that extra little bit of spice and feeling and connection towards the team.
r00fie1 30/11/2023
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