Gareth Southgate calls for a positive approach at Middlesbrough

"We can be as tense or miserable as we like but we've still got 12 weeks left so it won't make the challenge any easier or more enjoyable if we're like that," Southgate said ahead of Saturday's match with Portsmouth. "We must embrace the challenge and meet it head-on. There's no hiding from the fact that it's a desperately important match and we're desperate to win but there are 10 games left."  Related ArticlesAfonso Alves eyes Middlesbrough debutMiddlesbrough fans labelled 'disrespectful' by manager Gareth SouthgateBoro manager Gareth Southgate curbs his enthusiasmClaudio Ranieri demands Juventus to go all out for Champions League victoryMarlon King keeps Middlesbrough in touchSylvain Distin admits he was severely affected by the winter of turmoil at Portsmouth but insists he has regained his focus as the team battle against relegation.Distin said: "I've realised the club's situation really affected me. It was not just a case of having less protection for the back four after we lost a lot of the physical impact that made us one of the biggest and strongest teams in the league last season." 

Source: Telegraph