I’LL KEEP CALM AND CARRI ON
Michael: Contract talk is no big deal... I love it at Boro
MICHAEL CARRICK insists he could extend his Middlesbrough contract – despite a troubled season.
The Boro head coach has held talks over a new deal, but insists he is relaxed about the situation because he still “loves it” on Teesside.
Carrick’s contract runs until the end of next season, and Boro have slipped out of play-off contention having managed just one win in their last seven games.
They face a trip to Stoke today looking for an upturn in form and the Manchester United legend is still building his coaching career in the Championship.
He said: “I wouldn’t say it’s major in terms of a big deal, it’s not a big deal for me. I’m happy here. I’m relaxed about it.
“Everyone is clamouring for news on something, nothing has changed, I’m here, I love it here, I’m enjoying it.
“As I’ve said with the players, things will happen naturally in time. There’s no deadline, there’s no chasing, there’s no agendas. I’m just here and working hard.
“I’m happy, there are no issues, nothing has changed, I love it here.”
Carrick (below) has seemed dejected since his side’s 6-0 thrashing at Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final, and slip down the league.
But he said: “The hunger is there. Of course little things spur you on a little bit but that doesn’t change my hunger for success.
“You understand in football there’s history and traditions you respect and you understand what successful teams look like and what it means to people, but certainly for me that hasn’t given me motivation. I didn’t need any more. That was already there.
“I work and do things the way I believe is right for me and the people around me.
“I try to do it in a respectful way, working hard and giving my best.”
Paddy Mcnair’s contract is expiring after six years at the Riverside, but the defender is just one of several players whose future is up in the air.
Carrick added: “The boys are focused on the next game and there’s all sorts of decisions on who is going to be here, who stays, who doesn’t stay.
“That’s natural in every club throughout the land. It’s not a big deal, it’s about what games are coming up.
“I’m not going to say right now and make a decision right now when I haven’t had discussions with players.
“This isn’t just about Paddy, it’s about any player.
“There are all sorts of different scenarios, if, buts and maybes.
“That’s a decision for us to make in the weeks and months ahead.”