Southgate takes the strain
05 Nov 2007 - 07:53:17
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate says he is strong enough to shoulder the burden of the pressure on the club, as they struggle to move away from the foot of the Premier League.
A 1-1 draw with Spurs left Boro without a win in their last seven league games and just one point outside the relegation places.
"No matter what people think of what we're doing, we need the crowd with us," Southgate commented. "If they choose to criticise me, fine.
"But the players need every bit of support they can. I think anybody could see that if the crowd turned on the team, then that would be detrimental to the performance.
"Expectations are very high at any club in the Premier League and people don't have the patience to wait for things to turn around.
"You accept that any decision you make when you are in the position you are in is going to be queried and highlighted.
"That's part and parcel of being a Premier League manager, so if you don't like it, or you're not prepared to put up with it, don't bother."
