Source: SKY_Sports
Southgate: Preparation is key
Gareth Southgate insists Middlesbrough are fully prepared for their fight against relegation, beginning with the clash against Stoke this weekend.[LNB] Southgate insists his side should be fully versed about what is needed, given how long they have been around the bottom-of-the-table this term.[LNB]The Boro boss is also looking at each game very carefully and he is eager for his side to be fully prepared for their trip to The Britannia on Saturday.[LNB]"We have had the training pitch set up so it is the same dimensions as Stoke, because they have narrowed their pitch," said Southgate. [LNB]"You would be foolish not to prepare properly for things like that. [LNB]"In the same way we would for any team we play against, you highlight things that might cause you a problem in the opposition and make sure you have at least covered in your training sessions. [LNB]"Whether it has any effect on a Saturday remains to be seen but at least you know in your own mind that the team is prepared for it."[LNB]Southgate still has the belief his squad can retain their Premier League status.[LNB]"We know now that we are facing that battle through to the end of the season.[LNB]"There might be one or two teams just above us who are just having to start to face that fact.[LNB]"We have known for quite a while the task that faces us, so in a sense, we are well prepared for it.[LNB]"We have just got to make sure we do it.[LNB]"We are used to dealing with difficult times, we are used to dealing with pressure - which we had as players - and we know our job is to help this group of players through the problems they face.[LNB]"We have to try to prepare them the best way we can, encourage them, push them, educate them and help them, to deal with the difficulties they are facing because it is a hard spell for everybody.[LNB]"But we have got to guide them through that spell, that's our job."[LNB]SpeculationSouthgate insists that continued speculation about his future does not get to him.[LNB]"It doesn't bother me because at the end of the day, I know the situation here.[LNB]"Of course, when we are where we are in the league, people are going to question your position, but we get on with our job.[LNB]"We have the complete backing of everybody here. Everybody knows the difficulties of the job, and we will give it every ounce of energy until we are told otherwise to do the job.[LNB]"We are focused on what we have to do and we are determined to plot a way through this for the players and for the fans.[LNB]"Everybody in the country is under pressure at the moment in terms of the recession and jobs at threat, the health service, whatever it is.[LNB]"But people have to lead and people have to stand up and be counted in difficult times, and that's what we have to do.[LNB]"We have to do that as a group of players and staff. We are very united."[LNB]
