Michael Carrick has challenged Middlesbrough’s players to recapture the spirit of 2004 as they prepare to face Chelsea at the Riverside in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday night.
Middlesbrough’s manager hopes his young Championship team can ultimately emulate Juninho, Boudewijn Zenden, Joseph Desire-Job, Gareth Southgate and the rest of the club’s famous League Cup-winning side by repeating that feat. Carrick knows it will not be easy for his talented, yet inconsistent players, especially against Mauricio Pochettino’s fast-improving Chelsea.