Michael Carrick’s cryptic message to Ipswich amid tense Championship race for automatic promotion…

Michael Carrick, the manager of Middlesbrough, has delivered a rallying cry to his team as they gear up for two pivotal matches that could greatly influence the intense battle for automatic promotion in the Championship.

With an unbeaten streak of eight games under their belt, Boro, although still holding onto a slim chance for a playoff spot, are set to face Ipswich Town in a match that will not only capture the attention of their own supporters but also those of Leeds United.

The upcoming clash at Portman Road will be followed by a highly anticipated showdown against Leeds United a week later, featuring Boro players Luke Ayling and Sam Greenwood, who are on loan from the Yorkshire club.

Carrick emphasized the importance of embracing the pressure that comes with playing football at such a crucial juncture, stating, “We’ve got to just embrace it when you are playing football to achieve something. That’s not pressure, that’s what we live for and something we are in it for. I cannot see that as a negative.”

Acknowledging the significance of the matches against teams vying for promotion, Carrick remained optimistic about Boro’s chances, highlighting their own objectives and the excitement of being in contention at this stage of the season.

Reflecting on his relationship with Kieran McKenna, the head coach of Ipswich Town and a close friend, Carrick praised McKenna’s remarkable achievement in guiding Ipswich to their current position in the league standings, considering the challenges they’ve faced.

He remarked, “I think the job he has done is not far off unprecedented in terms of the amount of points they have got from where they have come from to the teams that have come down and are challenging in the top three and size of them and their squads, quality and money involved.”

While expressing his admiration for McKenna’s accomplishments, Carrick emphasized Boro’s determination to secure victory in the upcoming matches, albeit with a hint of hope for his friend’s success.

He concluded, “We’ve got something to play for and will be doing everything we can for us to win the game. But I hope for his sake they find a way and they pull it off as he’s done an unbelievable job.”