Share this @internewscast.com

Michael Carrick hailed Middlesbrough’s first-leg Carabao Cup semi-final advantage as the proudest moment of his managerial career, after the Championship side stunned billionaire boys Chelsea and will take a 1-0 lead to Stamford Bridge in a fortnight.

Hot property Hayden Hackney scored the game’s only goal in the first half after Chelsea’s Cole Palmer missed a string of chances. But Boro’s win was richly deserved and boss Carrick said it was a special night for the club.

‘This is as proud as I’ve been,’ said the former Manchester United midfielder. ‘I know what the players have put in, how close a group they are, seeing this stadium supporting the lads right to the end, it made me hugely proud.

‘(It’s only half-time) but the players should still celebrate and applaud their effort. They’ve got to embrace it now. I keep saying, the next leg is a totally different one, a new challenge. We are ready for it, looking forward to it, and will embrace the challenge.’

Michael Carrick hailed Middlesbrough¿s first-leg Carabao Cup semi-final advantage as the proudest moment of his managerial career so far

Michael Carrick hailed Middlesbrough’s first-leg Carabao Cup semi-final advantage as the proudest moment of his managerial career so far

Hot property Hayden Hackney scored the game¿s only goal in the first half (above)

Hot property Hayden Hackney scored the game’s only goal in the first half (above)

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, said his side played OK but were punished by errors in both penalty areas. ‘We made some mistakes in the first half and we were punished for that,’ said the Argentine.

‘We created big chances but did not score, we were not clinical enough. It’s easy to explain. It’s only the first half of the tie and we are losing 1-0. In two weeks we have the second tie and we need to be positive, win the game and go to the final.’

Pochettino also downplayed a fracas in the away end that saw some Chelsea fans boo their own players, with half of the team not even going over to acknowledge the supporters for making the long journey on a Tuesday night just after Christmas.

‘Don’t be confused,’ said Pochettino. ‘Look, the fans were reacting with the Boro fans, not with our players. They are fantastic with us. Thiago (Silva) and some players were trying to calm our fans because there was a problem between fans. Be careful how you translate this.’

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, said his side played OK but were punished by errors in both penalty areas

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, said his side played OK but were punished by errors in both penalty areas

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, with a show every Monday and Thursday this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Heartfelt Tribute: Liverpool Squad Gathers to Honor Diogo Jota, with Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson Leading the Tribute at His Funeral

Liverpool players were applauded as they arrived to attend Diogo Jota’s funeral…

Wolves reveal 2025/26 home jersey with a distinctive new design

Wolverhampton Wanderers have revealed their new home shirt for the 2025/26 season…

Leah Williamson, Lionesses Captain, Stars in Calvin Klein Underwear Campaign Ahead of Women’s Euros

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson stripped down to her underwear as she modelled…

Fans Overwhelm Gravesite to Take Photos, Prompting Police Response

Police have been called to Diogo Jota’s graveside as fans started snapping photos…

Adidas Highlights the Spirit of Competition in New Film for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025

In anticipation of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, adidas has launched an…

Aaron Ramsdale Celebrates Italian Wedding with Famous Premier League Star

Two years following their low-key ceremony at a registry office in London,…

Ex-MLB Pitcher Daniel Serafini Shows No Emotion During Prosecutors’ Closing Arguments in Murder Case

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Daniel Serafini was pictured sitting through the…

Transfer Scoop: Tottenham Preparing Enhanced Bid for Mohammed Kudus, Updates on Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal Deal, Nottingham Forest’s Search for Anthony Elanga Alternatives, and the Latest on Jack Grealish’s Future

TOTTENHAM are expected to make an improved bid for WEST HAM forward…

Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Negotiations for Free Transfer to Top-Tier European Club

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has held fresh talks with Newcastle, talkSPORT understands. Calvert-Lewin is…

West Ham urges Tottenham to rethink bid for Mohammed Kudus after trophy clause is added

Tottenham’s bid for Mohammed Kudus included add-ons that only kicks in if…

Lionel Messi’s Contract Status with Inter Miami Unveiled Amid Rumors of Negotiations with Saudi Arabian Club

A significant development in the contract discussions between Lionel Messi and Inter…