Cause for Concern?

Schalke 04 3 - 0 Middlesbrough FC

Many people believe that we shouldn't read too much into pre-season games, But Gareth Southgate may have some cause for concern as Schalke dominated the game in Bad Radkersburg, Austria, and opened the scoring after just 4 minutes with a cheeky Kevin Kuranyi back-heeler past Ross Turnbull in the Boro goal. The Germans then went 2-0 up just before the break when a poor defensive display, from a Schalke counter attack, left Gerald Asamoah wide open in front of goal to knock the ball around the keeper.

Adam 'Jinky' Johnson came closest for Boro in the first half, after his long range effort spun just over the bar. Boro, though, went into half time looking composed, though losing, despite the sweltering conditions and despite having been dominated by Schalke.

Gareth Southgate had stressed, before the game, that this match was about fitness and endurance, though it appeared that he was experimenting with the youth players, as George Boateng, Fabio Rochemback, Andrew Davies and new boy Tuncay Sanli were all removed before the second half. Making way for a team of skin headed youngsters to take on Schalke (Knight and Euell being the only 2 players remaining at the final whistle whose heads were not shaven).

Schalke grabbed their 3rd goal when Mimou Azaouagh took a quick free kick, leaving Ross Turnbull scrambling to stretch across his goal to try and reach the ball.
Yakubu had the most chances for the Boro with assists coming, early on from Tuncay, and later from Johnson and Euell, before he had to be substituted; reducing Boro to 10 men, until James Morrison was allowed to be brought back on after having being substituted earlier on.

Seb Hines, another Boro youngster, produced a flash of unbelievable skill before crossing into the box, only to have the ball powerfully headed clear by a Schalke defender.

Another promising youngster was Josh Walker. Playing along that troubled right hand side of midfield, he put in a good performance and may certainly give Southgate an option for the new season after fan favoured right sider James Morrison announced during the summer that his preferred role was in the centre of midfield. However, Southgate will be likely to want to bring in some more experience on the right, perhaps Christian Wilhelmsson from Nantes. Boro have been strongly linked with the Swedish international over the past few weeks, along with interest from fellow countryman and new Manchester City boss, Sven Goran Eriksson.

New Boro Shirt
Boro fans also got a first glimpse of the new-look Boro kit, minus the sponsor across the chest, as the club are yet to make a new deal with a shirt sponsor after their 3 year deal with 888.com ended after last season. I would have liked to get a picture of it here, but unfortunately I couldn't find one. Here's one I knocked up based on what I saw during the match against Schalke. Many teams have already released their new kits, but Boro are awaiting the new sponsor before they release their new kit to the public.


Setanta Coverage
Setanta Sports were granted the rights to broadcast live Boro's pre-season friendlies in Austria between Schalke 04 and Hertha Berlin. Unfortunately, Setanta is a channel that I don't subscribe to through my Sky TV, but I managed to find a FREE online stream for the game through Setanta Sports. Wo0hoo! Unfortunately it wasn't a great game as far as Boro fans are concerned but I was just glad to watch some football. This year has been the first year where I simply can't wait for the new season to start up again and so when I caught on to the idea that I might be able to watch these pre-seasoners I jumped at the chance.

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