MIDDLESBROUGH PREVIEW | MICK
Bluebirds boss Mick McCarthy gave his thoughts to the press and media ahead of City’s trip to the Riverside Stadium this weekend.
“We’ve got to travel up there, and I know we’ll be expecting a really tough game.” Mick began. “They got beaten by Bristol City in midweek, so they’ll be wanting a reaction.
“I’m looking forward to the game. We’re all looking forward to the games because we’re winning them, and let’s hope that continues. If the players keep playing the way they have been, there’s no reason why we should be beaten.”
Saturday’s fixture sees McCarthy’s men come up against former City manager Neil Warnock, and Mick spoke of his lasting friendship with the Boro boss.
“He’s a good mate of mine, but obviously for ninety minutes on Saturday he won’t be, and it will be the same feeling for him.
“If anyone ever says one of my teams is nice to play against, I’d be annoyed and insulted. The best teams are horrible to play against, for whatever reason.
“Neil’s teams are likewise. If we came off on Saturday and I said to him: "You were really pleasant to play against", I think he’d be as annoyed as I would be – and that’s not going to be the case.”
With a short turnaround following Wednesday evening’s victory at Bournemouth, Mick spoke of the importance of rest and recovery for his players.
“The big lads like Sean, Flinty, Nels and Kieffer, they need to recover because they get sore bodies. It’s a tough time for them at the minute, with games coming thick and fast. But we’re managing it, and the players are managing it themselves very well.”