Michael Carrick’s verdict on Middlesbrough’s ‘disappointing’ QPR defeat

MICHAEL Carrick says he’s disappointed for Middlesbrough’s players and supporters after his side’s winless run was extended to five games.

Despite the disappointing start, Carrick insists he still has complete confidence his side will turn their fortunes around.

QPR beat Boro 2-0 at the Riverside to leave Carrick’s side rooted to the bottom of the table.

He said: “I’m disappointed really. We didn’t help ourselves for spells in the game, we had big chances as well, opportunities to score. We will accept it wasn’t good enough in general, that’s clear but at the same point, we had the chances to take.

“We can’t keep saying it, we have to do something about it. I’m disappointed for the players, supporters, it’s not great for them to see that. Players have to find a way to get that spark back that we lacked today.

“Missing chances is part of it, the fact we are making a lot, clear-cut ones as well. Sometimes there is a spell when they don’t fall for you, but it is up to us to do something about it and make sure it doesn’t happen.

“There were a few things, we didn’t start as well as we could have. There are reasons we will have to look at. A slow start to the game made it harder, we were chasing after that. There were moments when we looked good and it was a mixed bag.”

Andre Dozzell’s thunderbolt opener set QPR on their way to their second win of the season. And with 19 minutes remaining former Sunderland and Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback added the second on Teesside when he fired in through a crowded area.

Away boss Gareth Ainsworth said: “The enjoyment comes from getting what you deserve, over the last three or four weeks.

“I have had a good look at myself. How I want to play. And the boys are buying into the identity. They have emptied the tank for us.

 

“You can put the systems in place but you can’t always get them to empty the tank. These boys are a real team for me.

 

“I did a little graph before the game and showed them where I want them to go, they have bought into this upward curve. I have just said this isn’t a flash in the pan. It’s been sensational and two great goals.

 

“As a man who shoots from distance, Andre’s goal eclipsed my goals, that was so special.

 

“I’m really pleased for him, and I hope he takes a leaf out of Jack’s book of two in two – that’s one player we didn’t sign for his goalscoring quality.”