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Well-known member
Its that time again>>>>
Michael Carrick
"He`s sitting at the top and hes done that incredibly well. He`s given me unbelievable support since I`ve been here.....Hes the biggest supporter and you can really feel it "[Michael Carrick on Steve Gibson].
A summary of his most recent Media Conference v West Bromwich Albion.
West Brom:
Michael Carrick would take nothing away from West Brom`s ressurgence under Corberan. The upturn following Steve Bruce`s departure is considerable. Their rise up the table has been similar to ours. For Carrick though, league tables count for nothing: "Its not so much the league table, its the quality of the group......this league`s kind of irrelevant from week to week, because its such a challenging league". Its a challenge whether its a top team, a mid-table team or someone at the bottom "....as we have found out ourselves in recent times".
"The League table doesnt come into it when we are preparing for other teams". Its about "...concentrating on what we do to bring the best out of our selves. We just want to win the next game".
Carricks recipe for "Success"?
He answered in his usual humble, calm, collected, pragmatic, fashion: "trying to be myself...theres times to be calm and there`s time when calm is not always the answer, but its finding the right balance. Confidence has grown [amongst the squad] over time, so that helps with calmness and composure, because we`ve come through [different] tests and games - when we`ve been behind or we`ve been chasing games". He repeated that feet need to be "on the ground" and that no-one is "getting carried away". He reiterated that success is down to the "mindset" of the squad and the staff. Preparation and planning are key to good performance. Each challenge is treated like the first one. "We take a lot of energy from the boys and how they have played. The atmosphere around the club at the moment is really good".
Team changes?
Last week, a number of players started who hadnt the previous game, but "the boys are getting used to it. Its no big drama and big news. Just because its [a] change doesnt mean we`ve had a fall out.......it doesnt work like that". When deciding the team "we definitely include everyone, because we appreciate everyone: how important every single player is and can be btween now and the end of the season. Competition is good. It pushes you...". In the past month "the standard of training has gone up" with players becoming faster, slicker and better in each department. When they are called upon..."players have to be ready".
On Steve Gibson:
"I think Steve`s been incredible for this football club. I`ve seen straight away when meeting him, his passion for the club and the area and how much it means to him. I think someone in his position should get excited and look forward. Thats why he`s in it - to achieve things and try to build the club. To make it great again - in the top tier, ...pushing to be better all the time. Thats his dream.
"Its not for me to calm him [Steve] down or manage him. He`s his own man and done incredible things for the area. Hes sitting at the top [of the club] and hes done that incredibly well.....and given me unbelievable support since I`ve been here. But, not interfering....[just] letting us get on with it. Hes the biggest supporter and you can really feel it."
"He is in the position he is for the love of it and so he should be!".
John Motson:
"Very sad news. He`s a huge part of me growing up. Watching football, listening to him and how he was describing games - and all the huge games you remember. He`ll be sorely missed".
Tommy Smith?
On his new contract: "I`m really pleased. Tommy`s been fantastic...he`s one of the senior players....a great example to the younger boys within the group...and with his performances he has been a big part of what we do, so I`m delighted.
Crooksy. "Big Tree":Carrick was asked about the importance of Matt Crooks and whether he could be described as "super-sub"(?). "I wouldnt want to put that label on Crooksy. Its unfair. He`s offered much more and he`ll definitely offer a lot again....between now and the end of the season". Carrick elaborated - the impact Matt has had on performance and within the team cannot be understated. Whether its being on the bench or on for five minutes at the end of a game...."his attitude and mentality has been fantastic". Most of us will second that. Matt`s assists and support to the rest of the team has been vital. No player has to play the full 90 to prove their worth to Carrick and his staff!
Planning for the end of the season and further ahead?
Carrick diplomatically batted away a direct question about Johnny Howson and his future."We`re planning ahead. We know where we want to be at the end of the season and beyond. We definitely have a clear idea of the direction we want to go, how we want the squad to grow and the type of player we want".
The League Cup final:
A reporter asked whom he wanted to win? Newcastle United or Manchester United?
His answer? "May the best team win"!!!!
Come on Boro!
We go again!
Michael Carrick is probably one of the biggest problems for Boro right now. Not only has he had the best start of any Boro Manager in our 147 year history, but hes attracting the attention of the media and football across Europe. With 13 victories, 1 draw and only three defeats - only Barcelona in the top five European Football Countries have done better than Middlesbrough. Five wins out of the last five, with Boro scoring three goals in four - and two against Watford.
We found it tough against QPR: they came to put up a fight, and in the first half they succeeded. We gave Sheffield United a lesson in "class" on their home turf and took all three away from Cardiff. Blackpool came to give us a test, but were sent home pointless. The same Watford team who beat West Brom 3-2 earlier this week: we dispatched without conceding a goal - in spite of their strong forward line. Not forgetting team spirit, we have goals coming from all over the park, not just from Championship Top Scorer Chuba Akpom with 19 goals in 26 games: 5 above second best Viktor Gyokeres on 14!
We are the second highest scorers in the Championship, behind leaders Burnley. We have gone from 15 points south of Sheffield United in January, to barking at their heels in February - only four points short of second place. None of this would have been possible without Carrick and his staff and their unique style of Management. We not only have a winning team and a winning Coach, but we have a winning club and winning fans: we`ve not had this connection for almost twenty years. Theres been a clamour for away tickets with the Red Army On Tour for every game. In some instances, we have matched the home fans and could easily have taken double the number, if we had the chance.
From the team - there`s no complacency and there`s no arrogance or swagger. Every player in a red and white shirt has been chomping at the bit for game time - for the team. The boys know they will get their chance and must be ready mentally and physically - when called to do their duty.
West Brom had a good start under Corberan and have a good home record - but overall their form is inconsistent. That doesnt make our task any easier. Its that kind of challenge we face every week. We`ve had a week to prepare physically and mentally. As Michael Carrick said last week: "Its time to do it all again and start from scratch".
We found it tough against QPR: they came to put up a fight, and in the first half they succeeded. We gave Sheffield United a lesson in "class" on their home turf and took all three away from Cardiff. Blackpool came to give us a test, but were sent home pointless. The same Watford team who beat West Brom 3-2 earlier this week: we dispatched without conceding a goal - in spite of their strong forward line. Not forgetting team spirit, we have goals coming from all over the park, not just from Championship Top Scorer Chuba Akpom with 19 goals in 26 games: 5 above second best Viktor Gyokeres on 14!
We are the second highest scorers in the Championship, behind leaders Burnley. We have gone from 15 points south of Sheffield United in January, to barking at their heels in February - only four points short of second place. None of this would have been possible without Carrick and his staff and their unique style of Management. We not only have a winning team and a winning Coach, but we have a winning club and winning fans: we`ve not had this connection for almost twenty years. Theres been a clamour for away tickets with the Red Army On Tour for every game. In some instances, we have matched the home fans and could easily have taken double the number, if we had the chance.
From the team - there`s no complacency and there`s no arrogance or swagger. Every player in a red and white shirt has been chomping at the bit for game time - for the team. The boys know they will get their chance and must be ready mentally and physically - when called to do their duty.
West Brom had a good start under Corberan and have a good home record - but overall their form is inconsistent. That doesnt make our task any easier. Its that kind of challenge we face every week. We`ve had a week to prepare physically and mentally. As Michael Carrick said last week: "Its time to do it all again and start from scratch".
Michael Carrick
"He`s sitting at the top and hes done that incredibly well. He`s given me unbelievable support since I`ve been here.....Hes the biggest supporter and you can really feel it "[Michael Carrick on Steve Gibson].
A summary of his most recent Media Conference v West Bromwich Albion.
West Brom:
Michael Carrick would take nothing away from West Brom`s ressurgence under Corberan. The upturn following Steve Bruce`s departure is considerable. Their rise up the table has been similar to ours. For Carrick though, league tables count for nothing: "Its not so much the league table, its the quality of the group......this league`s kind of irrelevant from week to week, because its such a challenging league". Its a challenge whether its a top team, a mid-table team or someone at the bottom "....as we have found out ourselves in recent times".
"The League table doesnt come into it when we are preparing for other teams". Its about "...concentrating on what we do to bring the best out of our selves. We just want to win the next game".
Carricks recipe for "Success"?
He answered in his usual humble, calm, collected, pragmatic, fashion: "trying to be myself...theres times to be calm and there`s time when calm is not always the answer, but its finding the right balance. Confidence has grown [amongst the squad] over time, so that helps with calmness and composure, because we`ve come through [different] tests and games - when we`ve been behind or we`ve been chasing games". He repeated that feet need to be "on the ground" and that no-one is "getting carried away". He reiterated that success is down to the "mindset" of the squad and the staff. Preparation and planning are key to good performance. Each challenge is treated like the first one. "We take a lot of energy from the boys and how they have played. The atmosphere around the club at the moment is really good".
Team changes?
Last week, a number of players started who hadnt the previous game, but "the boys are getting used to it. Its no big drama and big news. Just because its [a] change doesnt mean we`ve had a fall out.......it doesnt work like that". When deciding the team "we definitely include everyone, because we appreciate everyone: how important every single player is and can be btween now and the end of the season. Competition is good. It pushes you...". In the past month "the standard of training has gone up" with players becoming faster, slicker and better in each department. When they are called upon..."players have to be ready".
On Steve Gibson:
"I think Steve`s been incredible for this football club. I`ve seen straight away when meeting him, his passion for the club and the area and how much it means to him. I think someone in his position should get excited and look forward. Thats why he`s in it - to achieve things and try to build the club. To make it great again - in the top tier, ...pushing to be better all the time. Thats his dream.
"Its not for me to calm him [Steve] down or manage him. He`s his own man and done incredible things for the area. Hes sitting at the top [of the club] and hes done that incredibly well.....and given me unbelievable support since I`ve been here. But, not interfering....[just] letting us get on with it. Hes the biggest supporter and you can really feel it."
"He is in the position he is for the love of it and so he should be!".
John Motson:
"Very sad news. He`s a huge part of me growing up. Watching football, listening to him and how he was describing games - and all the huge games you remember. He`ll be sorely missed".
Tommy Smith?
On his new contract: "I`m really pleased. Tommy`s been fantastic...he`s one of the senior players....a great example to the younger boys within the group...and with his performances he has been a big part of what we do, so I`m delighted.
Crooksy. "Big Tree":
Planning for the end of the season and further ahead?
Carrick diplomatically batted away a direct question about Johnny Howson and his future."We`re planning ahead. We know where we want to be at the end of the season and beyond. We definitely have a clear idea of the direction we want to go, how we want the squad to grow and the type of player we want".
The League Cup final:
A reporter asked whom he wanted to win? Newcastle United or Manchester United?
His answer? "May the best team win"!!!!
Come on Boro!
We go again!
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