Manchester United icon Michael Carrick has issued a cautionary message to Chelsea following his Middlesbrough team’s triumph in the initial encounter of their Carabao Cup showdown.
As the tactician for Middlesbrough, Carrick orchestrated an unexpected 1-0 victory, bringing his Championship side within striking distance of reaching the final at Wembley.
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Looking ahead to the decisive second leg at Stamford Bridge, Carrick has assured Mauricio Pochettino that his squad will be ‘prepared’ and emphasized the significance of ‘dreaming’ in football.
Having enjoyed a decorated playing career at Old Trafford from 2006 to 2018, Carrick is well-acquainted with securing silverware.
‘The way they stuck together was very special and makes me proud to see that,’ Carrick told Sky Sports about his team’s performance.
‘It was great to see and a great feeling. I thought we managed the spaces well, they had some opportunities and we had to ride our luck a bit at times.
‘We had to show a bit of everything and I’m buzzing. I know what it means to everyone, it was fantastic for me to see so many people so happy and it’s pretty special.
‘We know the task ahead of us. We will be ready for the next game (the second leg) and attack the game and see what happens.
‘Football is about dreaming and things happen like tonight which probably shouldn’t happen. We go there with our eyes wide open and know what to expect, but it won’t stop us trying.’
Hayden Hackney netted the solitary goal in the Riverside Stadium, and chaos ensued at the conclusion of the game, with Thiago Silva confronting irate Chelsea supporters.
