Southgate stays upbeat
01 Oct 2006 - 10:33:19
Middlesbrough's rookie manager Gareth Southgate accepts he is under pressure after a poor start to his reign in charge at the Riverside.
A 2-1 defeat at Sheffield United left Boro with just five points from seven games this term, although Southgate was largely satisfied with the performance of his side at Bramall Lane.
He said: "After going behind the response I had from the players in the second half is what I wanted. I thought it was a healthy performance.
"After last week's defeat to Blackburn, I got the reaction I wanted in that we attacked the game and the chances we created are a positive.
"But we didn't get what we deserved. I don't like losing matches and when you lose a game like that, then it is very cruel.
"I have to instil the belief in my young side that what we are doing is the right way forward.
"I was critical of the players last week, but this week couldn't have any complaints about what they did and the general manner of the performance pleased me."