15 January 2020 at 6:03am
Woodgate insists he's proud of his players after FA Cup exit at Tottenham
Jonathan Woodgate applauds Boro's travelling supporters after their FA Cup loss at Tottenham Credit: PA Images
Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate has said he is proud of his players despite his side gifting two goals to Tottenham in their FA Cup replay loss.
Spurs took the lead after just two minutes when a risky pass from goalkeeper Tomas Mejias fell to Giovani Lo Celso who then slotted the ball past him.
Erik Lamela then doubled Spurs advantage after stealing the ball deep inside Middlesbrough's half and ending a driving run with a goal.
Despite his side's generosity in front of their own goal Woodgate insists he is pleased with how his side performed.
He said: "I hate getting beat. But if you gift Tottenham two goals like that it is going to be difficult."
But I tell you what, our players showed fight, desire, hunger, because you go 2-0 down you think the worst, and they didn't give up. I am proud of them
– Jonathan Woodgate
"I hate getting beat but when you go down fighting, no problem at all. Today was a good performance.
"It's just the pressure of the game, the atmosphere, if you make these mistakes in the Championship you don't get done, against Premier League teams you get nailed."
Jonathan Woodgate scored the winning goal the last time Tottenham won a trophy in 2008 Credit: PA Images
Woodgate and his Middlesbrough side have opted to stay in London for their Friday night fixture against Fulham.