Former Boro star calls for manager to scrap negative tactics

Aitor Karanka has been urged to start focusing on attack rather than defence by one of Middlesbrough’s former midfield enforcers after Paul Ince told BT Sport the manager’s tactics may need a rethink.

Ince, who made over one hundred appearances for Boro following a million pound transfer from Liverpool, believes Karanka’s side need to be more positive if they’re to get the results needed to stay in the top-flight.

Speaking on BT Sport after the recent 1-0 loss at White Hart Lane, Ince noted:

“When you look at the way Tottenham played, Tottenham weren’t at their best…but sometimes [Boro] you’ve got to go and try and win the game because teams below them are starting to pick up points.

“If you think you can sit back and defend and defend then rely on one chance – whether they should have scored, you aren’t going to do it every week.”

“I think he [Karanka] has got to think again. You don’t see Boro scoring goals and that’s what worries me.

“They are great at keeping the ball out of the back of the net but goals win you games and they need to find a goalscorer.”

Ince may have a point as Boro have struggled in front of goal this season scoring the least amount of goals in the Premier League.

Hull’s surprise win over Liverpool means Boro are now only one point above the drop and if Karanka was able to add a bit of firepower to his hard-to-breakdown defence then there’s every chance he could achieve safety this season.

It’s hoped new signing Patrick Bamford could give Karanka’s side more of an attacking edge, although with no Premier League goals to his name, the 23-year-old former Chelsea man, will have to find his feet at his new club quickly if he’s to be the difference between relegation and survival and silence the critics – including Ince.