A frustrated Michael Carrick urged his Middlesbrough players to step up and find a solution after suffering a 1-0 defeat in the Wear-Tees derby against Sunderland.
Despite their consistent efforts, Boro once again fell short with Chris Rigg’s goal proving to be the difference. Carrick’s team dominated possession at the Stadium of Light but struggled to capitalize on their chances, a pattern that has become all too familiar.
Disappointed by the loss, Carrick acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We need to find a way to break teams down. We’re facing deep defenses and we need to be more effective in those situations. We have talented players and we are a strong team, so we must react positively to this setback.”
Reflecting on the game, Carrick believed his side had the upper hand but lamented missed opportunities and what he felt to be a missed red card. Despite the challenges they faced, he remained optimistic about their potential to turn things around.
Addressing missed chances, Carrick emphasized the importance of converting key moments in games, highlighting a missed opportunity by Tommy Conway early in the match. Looking ahead, he remained confident that with continued effort and perseverance, Boro would soon start reaping the rewards of their hard work.
