Michael Carrick hits back at Middlesbrough criticism ahead of Coventry
MICHAEL CARRICK has urged his Middlesbrough players to feed off the importance of tomorrow’s play-off decider at Coventry City – as well as the prize that is on offer if all goes well in the east Midlands.
Boro head into the final weekend of the regular Championship season sitting in ninth position in the table, two points adrift of the play-off places.
Their fate is not in their own hands, but if they can beat sixth-placed Coventry, who also need to win to guarantee their own play-off spot, they will qualify for the play-offs if Millwall (who are at Burnley) and Blackburn Rovers (who are at Sheffield United) both fail to win.
It is an all-or-nothing game for Boro, who have won just one of their last five matches, so while his players have stuttered badly in the last few weeks, Carrick is hoping they will thrive as the pressure ratchets up at the weekend.
“It’s sport isn’t it,” said the Boro boss, who thrived in high-pressure environments as a player during his time with Manchester United and England. “Some people take the opportunity in front of them and thrive off it, get a buzz off it and look forward to it.
