Source: Northern_Echo
Strachan remains calm as pressure increases
DESPITE Middlesbrough's depressing start to the season, manager Gordon Strachan has played down the increased pressure by insisting he will soon turn things around.[LNB] Strachan had to deal with a disgruntled supporter at the end of Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers, when he ended up discussing the team's problems before having his photograph taken.[LNB] An inability to respond to that defeat with a victory over Burnley tonight is likely to bring more criticism from a Riverside Stadium league crowd that could dip below 14,000 for the first time.[LNB] Boro are already nine points short of the automatic promotion places after winning just one of their opening five fixtures.[LNB] But with 41 matches remaining, Strachan won't panic.[LNB] However, winning at least four points from back-to-back home dates with the Clarets and Reading on Saturday is essential if the mood around the club is not going to deteriorate further.[LNB] It's up to me to get it right.[LNB] If it is not right then eventually it falls on my head, said Strachan, who expected to lose Gary McAllister as his first team coach later this week to Aston Villa.[LNB] Someone said to me you never see the next win coming' in this situation. I'm completely different, I think the next win is the next game.[LNB] I'd even say when I was going to QPR on Saturday on the bus that everything was going to be fine. I remember at Coventry, when I took over, I could not see another win coming, instead we won against Newcastle, when they had Kevin Keegan as the manager and the Ginolas playing, a fantastic side. That was our first victory.[LNB] At the moment I can see victories coming, I just have to make that a reality.[LNB] If you know what is needed then that's easier and that comes with experience.[LNB] Having dealt with an incredible amount of pressure during his time at Celtic, he is not fazed by the prospect of pulling Boro out of the doldrums in the Championship.[LNB] It's the pressure that you put on yourself, it's not the club you are at. The emotions are the same, no matter who you are the manager of, he said. If you ask the people in the second division, if they're not on a good run, they will have the same emotions as me.[LNB] It doesn't matter whether you are watched by 500 or 60,000, it's the same. It's right you feel that way and you can't let outside pressures affect you.[LNB] Most managers would try to avoid coming face to face with those who are criticising him from the stands, but Strachan prefers it and welcomes the opportunity to explain what he is trying to do.[LNB] He calmly spoke about his worries for the team, said Strachan, referring to the moment he was approached by the Boro fan at Loftus Road who wanted a photograph.[LNB] It was symptomatic with the reception I have met at this club. The fans are totally in love with the club, but respectful.[LNB] The guy was worried.[LNB] I got an insight in to how people feel because I listened to what he said.[LNB] It's far more effective than thousands shouting for your head. People in a constructive manner, speaking with intelligence and with a love of the club, rather than people just joining in, following and being lambs.[LNB] Strachan could have done with captain Gary O'Neil holding back when he suggested, despite a £6m recruitment drive, that Boro lacked creativity and width.[LNB] O'Neil has since attempted to play down his post-match comments, but Strachan showed sympathy towards his skipper and admits addressing such problems remain his aim.[LNB] He said: Gary came in to see me and apologised for the interview he did. I said that's no problem. You have to be the spokesman, as long as you don't abuse your team-mates, the coaching staff or the fans'.[LNB] Gary is saying nothing that we haven't had a conversation about. That's why I made him captain. We have been looking for the players Gary is talking about.[LNB] Strachan's selection problems have worsened, with Matt Kilgallon's season-long loan move from Sunderland being cut short because of a long-standing back problem.[LNB] But, despite having to start Barry Robson at left-back at QPR, Strachan is looking for the players he has at his disposal to turn things around rather than rely on potential new signings, or even recall Andrew Taylor or Jonathan Grounds from their loans.[LNB] Once tonight's match is over, Strachan will then focus on sorting out the future of his first team coach, McAllister.[LNB] He only joined Middlesbrough in the summer, but Villa have been in touch over making him assistant to Gerard Houllier.[LNB] There has been contact between the two clubs, said Strachan. Once I speak to him then we will let people know. The priority is to win a game on Tuesday, we will see after that.[LNB]
