“A Different Ball Game…” Carrick Issues Blunt Warning Ahead Of Boro Playoff Clash

“A Different Ball Game…” Carrick Issues Blunt Warning Ahead Of Boro Playoff Clash

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick says Monday’s fixture against Coventry City was nothing but a dress rehearsal for the playoff games between the two teams.

The Manchester United legend claims he didn’t really learn anything new from the match that ended 1-1 and he has warned players and fans that the intensity level will go up a number of notches when they take on their opponents again this weekend:

“We’ll look at today’s game and learn what we can from it but there’s no hiding from the fact that next week’s game is a different ball game.”

Boro will travel to the Coventry Building Society Arena for the first game on Sunday before hosting the return fixture at the Riverside Stadium a few days later.

While the playoff tie cannot be won in the first leg, getting a good result on the road will put the Teessiders in a great position. A win or even a draw should give Carrick’s team an important advantage for the second match on Wednesday week. As the manager points out, though, both games will be a lot more competitive than the draw they played out on the final day.

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