Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick has spoken very positively about his opposite number Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the game against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Middlesbrough and Chelsea will lock horns twice this month over their two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final tie.
First of all, Championship side Boro host the Blues tonight in the first leg. Afterwards, they’ll meet again on 23 January for the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Michael Carrick, who’s enjoying his first role in senior management, will now compete against a very experienced individual in the opposite dugout.
Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino will know his side are strong favourites to beat Boro over two legs, but it could be fascinating cup tie between the teams.
Carrick said this week via Middlesbrough’s official website: “Lately we’ve watched them a lot and they’re very, very dangerous. You can see his (Pochettino) ideas coming across more and more. The results have shown that, performances have shown that, individuals are starting to find their form and blossom. He’s a top, top coach. He’s proved that over a long, long time now. His teams are very hard to play against.”
Mauricio Pochettino praise
Hopefully, Chelsea have too much quality and know-how in this semi-final.
In fairness, Boro only narrowly lost 1-0 to Aston Villa at the weekend in the FA Cup third round. They’re currently 12th in the Championship and only four points off the play-offs, too.
For Chelsea, there’s so much riding on the domestic cup competitions this year without any European football.
Some fans may not be happy with how the team is performing in the league, but we think Pochettino can earn himself some respite if he manages to pick up silverware.
The Blues are on a small three-game winning streak right now across all competitions that is starting to lift confidence, so we’re quietly confident going into tonight’s contest.
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