MICHAEL Carrick stated there were “loads of reasons” why he didn’t make a Middlesbrough substitution until his team was 2-1 down against Bristol City, despite Liam Manning’s adjustments 20 minutes earlier.
Carrick did not specify the reasons, but did state that “we’re constantly thinking, talking, and assessing what the options are”.
Boro led 1-0 at Ashton Gate after Tommy Conway’s first-half goal, but Manning’s triple-change at the hour mark changed the game.
Yū Hirakawa made a significant impact from the bench, as did George Earthy, who equalised in the 72nd minute and scored Bristol City’s winning goal 10 minutes later.
Carrick then made his first substitution, bringing on Finn Azaz with eight minutes remaining.
When asked why he didn’t make any substitutes earlier, he explained: “We’re always thinking about how we can impact the game.
“I didn’t think they were really hurting us in the second half, and we were defending well as a team, closing down areas.
“Listen, these are the decisions I make or do not make. If everything goes as planned and we win the game, it’s a good decision; if not, people will question it, which I understand.
“There are numerous reasons why [didn’t make the submission]. There are numerous causes for each decision we make.
“Making those decisions is all part of the job; it’s a responsibility. I wouldn’t call it difficult; it’s my responsibility to attempt to make the correct judgements.
“I understand I’ll probably get questioned tonight for not doing it and then we lost the game.”
Regarding Manning’s game-changing substitutions, Carrick stated, “Their alterations did have an influence to some extent.
“I thought we did quite well as a team, considering they had a lot of territory. Given our current situation, I don’t believe we can expect the boys to come here and play free-flowing football while everything looks beautiful.
“I thought we were dangerous at times and could have possibly scored another goal.
“The longer the game lasts, the more they’ll push. I believed we were doing great until the first goal.
“I understand they had a lot of the ball in and around our box, but I think we defended effectively as a team when we needed to. But it’s the same old story: late in a game, not finishing a job.”
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