Middlesbrough have seen their form dip in the Championship in recent weeks.
Not that long ago, Michael Carrick‘s side looked to be in with a shout of qualifying for the play-offs for a second straight season.
However, that has given way to a run of just one win in their last seven Championship games.
That has seen them slide down the second-tier table. They are now 14th in the standings, just six points clear of the relegation zone.
As a result, there is now some pressure on Middlesbrough, going into their clash with Norwich City at The Riverside Stadium on Wednesday night.
But despite that, it seems Carrick is still impressed with the attitude his side have shown in the wake of those struggles.
Michael Carrick speaks on dressing room mood
With plenty of experience throughout his career, Carrick has plenty of insight into the mood in dressing rooms in different scenarios.
Given his Middlesbrough side are currently going through a tough run, there may be some expectations that heads could drop.
However, it appears as though that is in fact not the case, judging by these latest comments from the ‘Boro boss.
Speaking about what the mood is like in the Middlesbrough dressing room, Carrick told The Teesside Gazette:
“I don’t doubt the character of the boys or the attitude. I know the boys and it’s very easy to be in a position where you’ve had an indifferent run of results for it to be a bit fractious or to be a bit edgy around the training ground or changing room.
“I’ve seen that happen at certain times in my career and you feel some don’t care as much. But the boys have been incredible here and are desperate to do well. They’re so keen and you can see it means so much to do well. They’re really trying.
“In some ways that’s really nice to see. In other ways, it’s driving home the message to ‘go out there and trust yourselves and have that little bit more belief’ because they’re really good players. I’m sure the boys will show that, but character and attitude-wise, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Following Wednesday’s clash with Norwich City, ‘Boro are next in action when they travel to Loftus Road to face QPR on Saturday afternoon.
Michael Carrick comments positive for Middlesbrough
There are arguably reasons for Middlesbrough to be encouraged by what Carrick is saying here.
Despite the dip in form, ‘Boro are still in a reasonably solid position in the table. Indeed, it is worth noting they do have games in hand on those around them.
That of course, means there is time and scope for them to turn things around and enjoy a positive end to the season.
It is important therefore, that the mood does not become to negative, which could push them further into a poor run of results.
By contrast, continuing to show this application and desire to do well, ought to help Middlesbrough to turn things around here.
Carrick has done plenty to enhance his reputation as a manager since taking over at The Riverside Stadium.
If he can get them through this tricky patch, he will surely only continue to do that further.
As a result, it will be interesting to see what he can get out of this Middlesbrough squad in the next few weeks, especially with what they appear to be offering him in terms of approach to this situation.
