Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick admitted he was already starting to focus on Tuesday’s clash against Leeds United during last night’s win over Blackburn Rovers.
Boro travelled to Lancashire knowing that three points would lift them to fifth in the Championship, temporarily at least. They started the game in electric fashion when Tommy Conway scored a superb goal after just 70 seconds. The Teesside outfit doubled their advantage in the eighth minute through Samuel Iling-Junior and they stood firm for the remainder of the encounter to secure a 2-0 victory.
The result lifted Middlesbrough into the play-off places for the first time since January and extended their recent unbeaten run to four games. There isn’t much time to recover from last night’s exploits though, and they welcome fellow promotion chasers Leeds United to the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday night.
Carrick Focused On Leeds Challenge
With a top six finish now in their own hands, Carrick will be hoping to continue their good form against a team which has looked Premier League bound for the majority of the campaign. However, the Whites have faltered in recent weeks and Boro may fancy their chances.
Speaking after the game, Carrick admitted that his attention shifted whilst his team were still on the pitch at Ewood Park:
“My mind was going like that during the game thinking what’s ahead. It comes around quickly. Someone just asked me about having the weekend off and that’s definitely not the case. That wasn’t a player, by the way! We’ll recover well and prepare well, it’s a big game and great game to be involved in. We’ll look forward to that.”
Results this afternoon mean that Middlesbrough will remain fifth this weekend, with Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion both dropping points. Carrick isn’t focusing on others though, instead concentrating on matters he can control:
“We know what games we have to play and when we have to play them. Hopefully we get enough good results but that’s on us. I’m not one for looking elsewhere and who plays when.
“You can get carried away and it distracts you. We’re happy with tonight. Whatever happens over the weekend happens. We’ve got eyes on Tuesday and nothing else.”
Writer’s View
Middlesbrough have always felt they were underachieving this season, especially during a poor run of form between December and February. Other clubs would’ve panicked and perhaps opted for a managerial change, but the hierarchy have a lot of faith in Michael Carrick. They are reaping the rewards for that now, and they must be considered one of the favourites to secure a play-off place come May.
