clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Soccer - AXA FA Cup - Fifth Round - Sunderland v West Ham United

Filed under:

“I’m hugely looking forward to it” says Boro’s geordie boss ahead of Sunderland v Smoggies clash

“They’re playing well, we’re playing well. I’m hugely looking forward to it.” Michael Carrick spoke with Sky’s LO72 show about his start to life as manager at The Riverside Stadium, and gave his verdict on the rivalry between Sunderland and Boro.

Photo by Steve Morton/EMPICS via Getty Images

Sunderland host a much improved Middlesbrough side at the Stadium of Light this weekend in the first Wear/Tees meeting since 2018, when a last gasp Callum McManaman equaliser earned a share of the points.

When speaking with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink earlier this week for Sky Bet’s League of 72 show, Boro boss Michael Carrick admitted he is ‘looking forward’ to Sunday afternoon’s clash.

“First and foremost, it’s a terrific game, I think.” Carrick said “It’s a healthy rivalry, I love that about football. I love the rivalry; I love the competition within this area of the country.”

“I think it’s fantastic and the passion that goes with that.

It’s my first one [Sunderland Middlesbrough game] in this position. We’re close in the league, we’re speaking about the league not being important at this moment in time, it’s about winning games. Nevertheless, for everyone in and around it, it’s a big game.

They’re playing well, we’re playing well. I’m hugely looking forward to it.”

Carrick took charge at The Riverside Stadium in October and has steered his side from the relegation zone up to fourth position, taking an impressive 25 points from his 11 games in charge.

“I’ve had mixed experiences over the years going to Sunderland, and hopefully this will be one of the better ones.”

Sunderland last beat Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light in 2008 courtesy of 2 late goals from Michael Chopra.

OPINION!

Roker Ramble: Your weekly round up of non-Sunderland news!

OPINION!

Editorial: Sunderland’s hierarchy have earned the right to make the big calls in the transfer market

OPINION!

Dennis Cirkin’s Irish connections could open up a perfect opportunity for him- if he’s interested!

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Roker Report Daily Roundup newsletter!

A daily roundup of Sunderland news from Roker Report