Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick has opted to give his players plenty of rest this summer, before a tilt at promotion next season.
Carrick’s side would end the season well, losing just one of their last 12 games and as a result, there is plenty of hope for next year. His side would end up finishing eighth, just four points off of the play-offs, which would’ve no doubt been a disappointment with promotion being their goal for the year.
Nonetheless, after a rocky start to the season, Middlesbrough would finish it in a very good vein of form which covers some of that disappointment and certainly bodes well for the future. Rather than instantly wanting to work on next season, the former Manchester United midfielder is instead giving his players a rather large break, which could be the key to a promotion charge next season.
With player welfare becoming a hot topic in recent years, it comes as no surprise to see it being highlighted by Carrick that his men do need sufficient time off. According to the Northern Echo, the players will not be back in training until early July, although do have individually-tailored programmes to keep some fitness over the summer period.
It’s certainly a different approach compared to some teams, but one which may work out rather well. The players won’t be the only ones having a break, with Carrick and his coaching staff also having time off in order to reset for next season.
Speaking to the Northern Echo about his plans for the players this summer, the manager would say:
“That was it for the boys (last weekend). They’re done now for the summer.”
“I’m not particularly one for big formal one-to-one meetings with players, although certainly there are ongoing communications with the boys. A lot of the big decisions have been made internally and it’s more just a case of when is the right time to announce them publicly.
“We spoke to them a lot throughout the week before the Watford game too. It’s not really a new message for them though, it was one that just continued throughout the season.”
“I spoke to one or two who maybe needed a little more help or who had maybe missed a little more than they’d hoped. Every individual’s situation is different.”
“The work and the planning doesn’t really stop, and it’s what we enjoy because we’re striving for success and we’re hungry for more.”
Writer’s View
It’s hard to say if it was a disappointing season for Middlesbrough or not based off of how they finished it. Their poor start is what ultimately cost them, but to finish eighth after that, and look one of the stronger sides in the league, bodes well for next year.
Carrick is a very knowledgeable man and as a former player at an elite level, will know what his players require. The emphasis on recovery this summer could really improve some of the men within his ranks, who will be looking to hit the ground running when they return.
Everything points to another strong season for Boro as long as they can get their recruitment right this summer.