Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick is contemplating personnel changes ahead of their match against Stoke City.
His side are struggling in front of goal and face three games within the next seven days. With just one point from their last two games, Carrick is looking for a solution to Boro’s ongoing difficulties in breaking down compact defences, which has left the team misfiring in attack.
Middlesbrough has been fairly consistent in terms of selection in recent weeks, with players like Tommy Conway, Isaiah Jones, and Finn Azaz forming a regular part of the starting lineup. Emmanuel Latte Lath has also been a near-constant presence, only missing the win against Cardiff, where he came off the bench just a day after his deadline day move. Despite the continuity, Boro has managed just one league goal from open play in their first six games, a clear sign that changes might be necessary.
However, with new signings Ben Doak and Micah Hamilton starting to find their feet, and Riley McGree, Marcus Forss, and Delano Burgzorg pushing for more involvement after injuries, Carrick has a variety of options to freshen up his attack.
When asked if rotation was in his plans, Carrick confirmed that it is being considered.
“That’s the beauty of the squad that we’ve got—we’ve got options,” Carrick explained to Teesside Live. “We’ve got a three-game week this week and three important games as well. The squad will certainly come into play in that period, no doubt. Each game suits different individuals really. We’ve got a really good squad and whoever is fit, I certainly believe in them. I think the performances show, whoever has played, that belief is justified. We’ve just got to find that next little step. It is the big step ultimately.”
Despite the struggles, Carrick remains confident in his team’s long-term plan. While some have called for a more drastic change in formation or style, Carrick is adamant that the team’s core principles will remain intact. He acknowledged the need for improvement but insisted that the issues are collective rather than solely down to individual attackers.
“There are always things to do better,” Carrick admitted. “I’m not sat here thinking we’ve cracked it. There’s the balanced view but then there’s also the things we can do better. It’s not just the forwards, it’s not just the widemen, it’s as a team to create space for each other, to be more positive with every little action. It’s a team thing.”
Carrick also suggested that while his team’s formation has remained consistent, there’s more nuance involved than simply changing shape. He’s open to tactical adjustments, depending on the opposition and specific in-game situations. “As a group, we can do things to get better. What it is, I’m not going to tell you right now and give things away, but hopefully it sorts itself out in the weeks to come. I’m open-minded. I’ve said all along about formations—it’s more about principles.”
Carrick concluded by emphasizing that results are the ultimate measure, despite the team’s efforts. “We’re on a good track, but we need to do something about the results. It’s easy to say momentum will come. It only comes if we make it happen. That’s the challenge. We take confidence in the way we’ve played in games and the way the trajectory is going towards that. But I’m not stupid, I understand we need points, we need to win games and we’ll keep striving towards that.”
Carrick’s side are currently 12th in the table, with two wins, two draws and two defeats to their name. However, they have won just one of their last six in league and cup, and face a tough few weeks. After Stoke, promotion-chasing West Brom are up, before a trip to Vicarage Road, Watford, another side above Boro in the table.
Writer’s View
Middlesbrough’s struggles in front of goal are becoming a pressing concern, and Michael Carrick’s admission that changes are being considered is an indication that the status quo isn’t delivering. The team’s inability to break down compact defences is a key issue, and while Carrick is right to stick to his core principles, it might be time for some tactical flexibility to unlock opposing teams.
Carrick has shown resilience and tactical intelligence in his tenure, and his willingness to explore options within his squad is promising. However, with fixtures coming thick and fast, Boro needs to convert potential into points quickly to avoid slipping further down the table. Carrick’s belief in his squad is admirable, but results will ultimately be the benchmark of success in a highly competitive Championship.
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