Southgate Encouraged By Options
By Betting Zone November 12 2007
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is heartened by the fact he expects to have more options among his squad after the international break. He is looking for the team to kick on following the 0-0 draw against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. The game between two struggling sides was evenly contested.
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is heartened by the fact he expects to have more options among his squad after the international break. He is looking for the team to kick on following the 0-0 draw against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. The game between two struggling sides was evenly contested.
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Jeremie Aliadiere and Stewart Downing both came close for Middlesbrough late on while Ivan Campo twice squandered good chances for the home side. Southgate said: "When we go on the pitch again we might have another five or six players available. That's quite important for us. "We have been through a tough period as a group. Now we want to go on and win matches. "The challenge is harder year after year. But we up for up it and are working our socks off to get this club going in right direction. "We have to keep making small steps forward. The lads who have played at Bolton responded superbly. It is crucial you are hard to beat." Southgate thought the players benefited from a break in the Lake District last week. He said: "There has been a good spirit among the squad. You could see that when we were away. "Some of the tasks we put them through was reflected in the way they dug in against Bolton. "They've been through waterfalls and up rock faces. They were put in situations where they've had to rely on team-mates. "They are the qualities you need on a cold, horrible day in Bolton." It was a disappointing performance by Bolton after their memorable draw in the UEFA Cup against Bayern Munich in midweek but fatigue set in after only two days' rest. "This match was maybe a bridge too far in terms of it being our sixth in 17 days," said manager Gary Megson. "We have travelled a lot. Physically it is hard work but mentally it is even more so. "I thought we looked a tired unit running on empty. "While Middlesbrough have been team bonding we have been flying over Europe, trying to get a result against one of the best sides around. "It is hard trying to get yourself up all the time for games. We did not show enough quality in the last third against a tight defensive unit."
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