Michael Carrick says Middlesbroughâs players need the backing of supporters now more than ever, as he insisted he understood frustrations.
Boro lost a fourth consecutive game on Saturday as Moussa Sissokoâs header condemned them to defeat. There were huge boos at the final whistle as Boro supporters made their discontent known as Carrickâs side dropped to 11th in the Championship.
But owner Steve Gibson is desperate to back Carrick and he will remain in charge, with Teesside Live told there are âno plans for changeâ. With that uncertainty removed, the Boro head coach is pleading with supporters to continue showing their support to the players – one thing they did throughout the majority of Saturdayâs defeat prior to the full-time whistle.
Speaking after Saturdayâs defeat to Watford, Carrick said of supporter frustrations: âI understand [the boos]. But they got behind the boys, particularly at the start of the second half. I understand itâs a difficult situation – a tough situation for all of us. Again, there is no way of sugarcoating it.
âItâs tough and weâve all got our own responsibilities. I get the disappointment of fans, totally understand it. I thought their support of the boys, particularly the second half, was great. These moments are when the boys need that support the most.
âThat was when I felt for the boys the most. You could see them really trying and it just wasnât happening for us. The supporters, like they did, support the boys even more, and it can make a real difference.â
Boro now have two games on the road as Carrick looks to arrest Boroâs slump and guide his side back to winning ways. While that potentially saves from what might have been toxic atmospheres at the Riverside if the narrative failed to change, Boro will travel in numbers to both Bristol City and Stoke City in the next seven days, with the 43-year-old well aware of how much he needs a result.
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