Woodgate reveals pressure since becoming Boro boss
Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate has revealed the pressure he has undergone since becoming Boro boss.
The former England international enjoyed a long career during his playing days, staring for Newcastle United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, before retiring in 2016 at Boro.
Since taking the job as Boro boss last summer, Woodgate has been exposed to the harsh reality of club management.
The club have struggled to get going all season and Woodgate has admitted to the pressures involved.
Speaking to the Mirror, Woodgate admitted that despite the tough spell this season, he has been able to keep the team happy morale-wise.
"I felt ready for the job, but I have had some tough spells."
"I have kept the squad together morale-wise. I never blamed the players and always looked at myself, and how to become better and strive."
Woodgate has only won nine of his 40 games this season, but has never been at risk of sack with chairman Steve Gibson backing him fully.
Woodgate believes that the leadership shown from Gibson has helped take pressure from his shoulders.
"It has helped having a chairman behind me when you are struggling."
"He rings and says, 'Keep going, I believe in you'. That takes the pressure off. That’s true leadership from your chairman."
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Boro fans will be hopeful that Woodgate is able to steer the club out of the danger zone when Boro face Swansea City on Saturday.