Source: Northern_Echo
Southgate urges players to put Baggies ‘to bed’
AFTER his young side were mauled on the pitch by West Bromwich Albion last Saturday, Gareth Southgate admitted he was concerned they would face a similar fate from the media after the game.[LNB] No Middlesbrough players were made available for interview following the 5-0 home defeat as Southgate and assistant boss Colin Cooper shielded their young charges from the critical brickbats.[LNB] The result led many commentators to question the Teessiders billing as title contenders but Southgate regards this afternoons encounter with Coventry City as an opportunity to answer those doubters while rebuilding damaged pride and confidence within his squad.[LNB] The management team spent the early part of this week undertaking a detailed post mortem into what went wrong against the Baggies and no players were immune to the training ground inquisition.[LNB] But Southgate is not expected to make wholesale changes to his starting line-up with Gary ONeil the only notable addition.[LNB] The return of the midfielder will add energy and experience to a youthful Boro team who were chastened by their heavy defeat. After remaining below the media radar, they will be given a chance to do their talking at the Ricoh Arena.[LNB] I took the full brunt of blame because I can handle it, said Southgate, who is expected to field both ONeil and Jeremie Aliadiere after they proved their fitness this week.[LNB] There was plenty of flak flying so I thought good, give it to me. There are times when it is right for me to step in and protect the players from the media.[LNB] I wanted to look after them and support them. I felt that after the game it would have been difficult for them to explain why they had lost in that fashion.[LNB] You can have all sorts of theories about why a game is lost you hear a load of rubbish spoken afterwards by pundits. By analysing the game we encouraged a negative reflection on ourselves but its only by doing that you learn.[LNB] It reminded the players, especially the younger ones that they havent made it and they need to get back to work. We have to put last week to bed.[LNB] Danny Coyne was no more culpable than the rest of the team for defeat to the Championship leaders but question marks will surround any goalkeeper who concedes five in a game.[LNB] However, Southgate rarely makes knee-jerk reactions and after keeping faith with Ross Turnbull following Boros five goal reverse against Chelsea last season, the manager will keep faith with Coyne.[LNB] Danny was disappointed but I wouldnt put the blame on him, said Southgate.[LNB] Brad (Jones) is a top quality goalkeeper and there is a good battle there that will go on all season. I am not going to drop Danny just from one result but it is good to have the competition.[LNB] Steve Gibson has offered Southgate his public backing although while his comments were reported in midweek they were made prior to last weekends defeat.[LNB] The manager was happy to note that he continues to enjoy the chairmans support but insisted he does not require public reassurance from Gibson to know that his position remains secure.[LNB] I dont feel under pressure even after a bad result like that, insisted Southgate. We are third in the league and wed have all settled for that after eight games.[LNB] Were averaging two points a game and over the last ten years, that haul will make you champions. The chairman was going to make the statement of support for me anyway, regardless of what had happened at the weekend but it obviously took on more significance because of the defeat.[LNB] I know I have his support I dont need public backing.[LNB] Sometimes you get public backing and its not there in private. I know what his private views are and I dont need further reassurance.[LNB]
