Michael Carrick played down the significance of Middlesbrough’s first win in six Championship games on his own position after his team’s 3-1 victory at Stoke.
A run of five defeats had upped the pressure on Carrick but goals from Marcus Forss, Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway put smiles back on Boro faces.
Victory lifted them up to 11th – four points from a play-off place – while Stoke are five points above the relegation places.
“It wasn’t for me, it was more for everyone else,” said Carrick of Middlesbrough’s first success since January 21.
“To see the players and fans celebrating and enjoying it (was great). The support counts and matters when you are going through a stage like this.
“So massive credit to them for turning up and being positive. It is what the boys are capable of as a group and the supporters are included.
“To have their moments at the end is not going to change everything but it gives us that feeling back and shows that connection.
“It has been tested but it’s strong and we need to build from here.
“Getting the win was one thing but the way we did it was as pleasing as anything.
“It’s easy to hide and play the safe option, get through the game, survive and hope to win. But they took the ball and expressed themselves.”
Carrick was less happy at his team’s poor end to the first half, where an encouraging start – ignited by Forss’ first goal of the season – was dampened by Bae Jun-ho’s 44th-minute equaliser.
“We spoke about it briefly at half-time and the boys got together and responded well.
“We stopped doing the things we are good at and it took the edge off the performance. But the goal, if anything, maybe perked us up and we were terrific in the second half.”
Stoke boss Mark Robbins said: “We are in a position where we know we have to pick up points.
“We know we are working in an environment where supporters are fed up. They have had enough of mediocrity for the last seven or eight years.
“But we need a bit of understanding, which I think we got. You saw within the game we went from boos to cheers.
“But we’ve got young players trying to deal with that environment and I don’t think some of them can.
“We make naive decisions and choices and as soon as we do it costs us.
“It’s all of our making because there are no excuses for missing duels or tackles.
“There is a lot that needs sorting out. But the time will be later for talking about that.
“We’ve got 12 games left and need to pick up enough points to stay in the division.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. 23 years ago, Ronaldinho fooled everyone with 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 free-kick against England and a star was born If Nico Williams moves to BarcaTrent Pep Guardiola knows how to TURN ON the Cyborg! AN INSPIRATION TO THE WORLD! Fabrizio Romano shares his new Lamine Yamal bed on Facebook.This is so funny Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credi...
Andre Onana is keen to stay at Manchester United despite interest from Monaco, sources have told ESPN.The French side asked for information from Onana's representatives about his potential availability this summer.Monaco also showed interest in former United goalkeeper David De Gea before he extended his contract with Fiorentina.Onana, however, is determined to stay at Old Trafford unless he is to...
Liverpool could still enter the market in one of their biggest-spending windows.Liverpool are reportedly set to launch crunch talks with Crystal Palace over England defender Marc Guehi. The Reds are long-term admirers of the 25-year-old and could make him their latest big-money signing.Palace are said to value Guehi at around £70million despite only one year remaining on the former Chelsea st...
Liverpool confirmed the signing of Germany international Florian Wirtz on Friday evening.Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken about the signing of Florian WirtzJurgen Klopp has expressed his admiration for Liverpool's acquisition of German international Florian Wirtz. The former Reds manager, who departed in 2024 and now serves as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, maintains close ties ...
Chelsea no longer interested in MaignanPer Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are no longer interested in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. They have not reactivated talks with the player and reportedly do not intend to do it later in the transfer window as they have confidence in their current crop of custodians at Stamford Bridge.Van Nistelrooy set to be sacked by Leicester after relegationLeicester City ...
Juventus, Napoli in contact with Chelsea striker JacksonSerie A clubs are interested in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.Jackson's future at Chelsea is in doubt after he suffered another red card in yesterday's Club World Cup defeat to Flamengo.Sky Italia's0Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juventus and Napoli are interested in Jackson.Juventus have0 already made contact with the player's management ...
Bayern Munich rival Chelsea for Borussia Dortmund winger GittensBayern Munich are interested in Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.Gittens saw a move to Chelsea fall through last week after Dortmund rejected their 342m offer on Tuesday's Club World Cup transfer deadline.Kicker reports that Bayern are planning a move to sign Gittens during this window.Bayern sporting director Max Eberl has left...
Frimpong reacts as Wirtz joins Liverpool in 3116m moveJeremie Frimpong has responded to Florian Wirtz’s move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool, following in his footsteps.Just weeks after the Dutchman made the switch from the Bundesliga side to the Reds, Wirtz followed in a blockbuster 3116 million ($156m) move.0Shortly after the transfer was confirmed, Frimpong responded with the eyes emoj...
Rashford keen on joining Yamal’s BarcelonaManchester United star Marcus Rashford has expressed a desire to play alongside Lamine Yamal, seemingly sending a message to Barcelona to make a move.The England international has reportedly had his sights set on a Blaugrana transfer for a while. Now, the former Aston Villa loanee has arguably dropped a not-so-subtle hint that he’s eager to joi...
Quilindschy Hartman will join Burnley as soon as next weekFeyenoord have reportedly accepted a bid from Burnley for left-back Quilindschy Hartman.As Burnley were preparing an offer for the 23-year-old Hartman, the left-back was reported to have visited Burnley's training ground and met manager Scott Parker before the weekend.According to Dutch media, Feyenoord have accepted a €12 million bid...
- 1 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 2 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 3 Man Utd have Hugo Ekitike 'advantage'
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Stunning Euro U21 reporter dubbed 'queen of Europe' in bold dress
- 6 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 7 DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB Leipzig
- 8 Real Madrid eye a trio of targets
- 9 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN
- 10 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025