After Rovers lost for the second consecutive game, Head Coach Jon Dahl Tomasson reflected to RoversTV on the 2-1 home defeat to Middlesbrough, which saw the home side lose after going down to ten-men in the second-half.
“Although I tried to speak to the referee after the final whistle, I don’t think it’s right to speak about them in the press. I think we should be disappointed to lose the game, it was a frustrating night. We played excellent football in the first-half; high intensity, a mix of short and long play and we created enough chances to probably go in at half-time by two or three goals. We spoke at half-time about starting the second-half well, and, of course, I think we went onto lose the game inside the opening ten minutes of the second period. We conceded quite quickly and had to deal with the crucial decision of the red card.
“Saying that, despite playing with ten men for such a long period, I thought we were dangerous. The crowd got behind the team and although it sounds crazy after a 2-1 defeat, but it was an excellent performance from the lads, even after we lost a man. We’re unfortunately left frustrated after a defeat, but that’s football at the end of the day. Now, we need to find the energy to face Cardiff City on New Year’s Day. Of course, the players will all be disappointed, especially after playing such an excellent first-half and such a spirited second period, but we mustn’t repeat the first ten minutes of the second-half and must learn from that.
“When it’s 1-1, you’re always in the game, but we still felt we were in the game despite being a man and a goal down. I think we controlled the game in the first-half and were extremely aggressive and played some good football, but when you’re down to ten men and are losing in the second-half, you need to try a moment of quality, which the lads pushed for.
“I’ve rewatched the sending off back. The Middlesbrough player (Riley McGree) nudged John (Buckley) slightly. It was a very inexperienced move and he gave the referee a decision to make. He needs to learn from that. We played some great football in the first-half and we were extremely direct in a certain way. We knew that the space was in-behind them, and down their sides and we used that space well. We played one-touch football that led to great movement, and we showed great defensive awareness and intensity and we were difficult to face in the first-half.
“We weren’t clinical enough when we got the chances. We probably should have been 2-0 up at half-time, so in that way we’re disappointed to have lost, but we need to find that energy and get the crowd behind us here, against Cardiff so they can help us continue this developing journey alongside the players, the staff and myself. We need the crowd to help us get through this as one Rovers family. The weight is not that heavy when we do things together.
“The spirit the lads showed in the second-half was brilliant, they worked their socks off and they created chances as well. It was a great show of effort and spirit and I was delighted to see that, despite having ten men. We’re a bit stretched at the moment. We lost Sammie (Szmodics) over Christmas and were left in an extremely awkward position as he’ll be out for a couple of weeks, as will (Tyrhys) Dolan and Callum (Brittain). Sam (Burns) and Jake (Batty) are the only long-term injuries we have. Hayden (Carter) and Jack (Vale) will both be back training with the squad on Friday.
“The attacking third of the pitch is where we’d like to keep the energy levels fresh and high, and the injuries to Dolan and Szmodics don’t help that. We took Tyler (Morton) and Bradley (Dack) today because of what happened in the game, but Bradley can’t play three full games in a week, yet. That’s part of the reason why we’re frustrated to lose Sammie and Tyrhys.
“It’ll be great to start 2023 off in the right way. I’m looking forward to Sunday’s game, especially after seeing us play real football tonight. We, of course, need to improve on what went wrong during the first ten minutes of the second-half tonight, but I’m looking forward to facing Cardiff.
“We all know the Christmas period is intense and gives a great opportunity for fans to watch so many games and for the players to play so many games. We will be ready to face Cardiff City on New Year’s Day and be ready to put on a great performance for our fans, here at Ewood Park.”
