Michael Carrick has been speaking to the press before Middlesbrough’s upcoming trip to Burnley on Friday (20:00 GMT).
Here are some of the key lines:
-
Keeper Seny Dieng is back in training as Sol Brynn is praised for his performances in goal throughout Dieng’s absence
-
He credits the team’s “togetherness” for their ability to comeback having lost in a tight 1-0 against Blackburn Rovers three days prior to their 3-1 win against Hull City on Saturday
-
On creating a positive environment for the players: “Football is one thing but everyone being in a good place is another thing so when someone is having a tough time, we’ve all got to be there to look after them.”
-
On having to face promotion contenders Burnley and Leeds United in succession: “You’re on that treadmill and you never get off it. That’s the beauty of it, that’s the challenge, that’s the test – but certainly these next two games are a challenge.”
-
“Burnley are efficient in what they do and they are a good team. We kind of know what we are getting ourselves into.”
-
In reflection of the last time they faced Burnley two years ago, which resulted in a 2-1 loss: “We are better now than we have been since I’ve been here for different reasons – a little more rounded as a team and as a squad. We feel that we are in a stronger place.”
-
On Burnley boss Scott Parker: “He certainly always had a real presence and a confidence and that leader type of personality. From that side of things, looking at it, it doesn’t surprise that he’s done really well.”
