Southgate: We deserved that after tough week

Oct 4 2009 Sunday Sun

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Gareth Southgate praised his players and staff for the calm way they had responded to pressure following the win at Reading.

Goals in each half, from Sean St Ledger and Leroy Lita, gave Boro a 2-0 victory and their first win in four matches.

“I am pleased for them at the end of what has been a difficult week. They responded with a calmness and unity,” Southgate said.

“Some supporters have expressed their displeasure, which I have accepted.

“Our job is to manage the club through difficult times.

“It’s easy to manage when things are going well, but the margins between success and failure are so small.

“I selected Leroy Lita to play against his old club because you just knew what was going to happen.

“He missed pre-season so he is still coming back to sharpness, but he was terrific.”

Reading boss Brendan Rodgers was bemused at the difference between his side’s form in the midweek win at Preston and yesterday’s defeat.

He blamed a number of bad choices in crucial areas for the disappointing display.

“Everything that was good about us in midweek wasn’t good in this game,” he said.