Carrick Discusses Middlesbrough’s Current Strength Ahead of Burnley Match

Michael Carrick addressed reporters in anticipation of Middlesbrough’s forthcoming match against Burnley, scheduled for Friday at 20:00 GMT. Key statements from his remarks include: Goalkeeper Seny Dieng has resumed training, while Sol Brynn received commendation for his goalkeeping displays during Dieng’s period of absence. Carrick attributed the team’s “togetherness” as the reason for their capacity to recover, following a narrow 1-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers three days before their 3-1 victory over Hull City on Saturday. Regarding the cultivation of a positive environment for players, he stated: “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.” Addressing the prospect of confronting promotion contenders Burnley and Leeds United consecutively, Carrick remarked: “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.” He added about Burnley: “Burnley are efficient in what they do and they are a good team. We kind of know what we are getting ourselves into.” Reflecting on their last encounter with Burnley two years ago, which ended in a 2-1 defeat, Carrick asserted: “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.” Commenting on Burnley boss Scott Parker, Carrick stated: “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.”