Middlesbrough dismiss pressure talk despite poor run
Luke Ayling has insisted Middlesbrough are not feeling the strain of the promotion race, despite a worrying dip in form at a crucial stage of the season.
Boro have gone five matches without a win, slipping from a position of strength in the automatic promotion places into a tightly packed group chasing the top two. With sides around them picking up results and Ipswich holding games in hand, the margin for error is shrinking rapidly.
“I really don’t think so because we’re playing good football and we’re playing the football we want to play,” he said.
“If you see pressure, some teams might change the way they play and might not play the way they want to play, and they’re not creating the chances we’re making.”
Ayling pointed to chance creation and style as reasons for optimism, but acknowledged the need for better finishing. With a key trip to Ipswich on the horizon, focus remains on immediate fixtures, starting with a potentially tricky encounter against Portsmouth, as Boro attempt to regain momentum.