Carrick’s future is uncertain after a run of four straight defeats that has led to Boro sliding down the Championship table to 11th, four points adrift of the top six.
But the under-fire head coach felt Saturday’s second half display against the Hornets was evidence that Boro’s players still retain some belief. And he has stressed to the players to focus on the positives of the season in a bid to repair damaged confidence after a sequence of six defeats in seven games in all competitions.
“I think the players believe they can get out of this, because I don’t think they play like they did in the second half if they don’t,” said Carrick on Saturday evening.
“In terms of confidence, these stages can really affect you mentally and you can get bogged down. You’ve got to get your head above them clouds to see that bit clearer.
“We’re capable, and that goes back to where we get the belief from. We know what we can do. Sport, unfortunately, is not an exact science and things can happen. But I believe in those players and that ultimately drives me on to fight for a way out of the moment we’re in at the moment.”
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Boro have won just three of their last 15, which has obviously had an impact on the squad.
Carrick said: “That’s the biggest thing in sport, trying to keep a level of confidence, particularly when you suffer setbacks, and how you deal with them.
“Sport isn’t always straightforward and isn’t always exact. Emotions, character, the human side, you’ve got to factor all that in and be able to deal with it. That’s why certain sports stars can be really successful, because they can manage that and produce.
“Even then, the best of the best have spells where it doesn’t go for them. You can question all different things when they don’t look like the player they can be.
“I don’t think any of our boys are any different to that. We’re just going through a tough spell. It’s going on for too long, and I understand that. We’ve got to snap out of it.”
Asked whether his confidence had taken a hit, Carrick said: “No, not really. That’s not saying I’m doing my job and everything is all right. I’m not saying that.
“But I’m constantly looking at the reasons, balancing between how much we analyse, how much we dig deeper and question things.
“What do we need to change? What do we need to keep the same? It becomes more challenging obviously when results aren’t going the way we want. But that’s the game, that’s the responsibility I’ve got. I’m fine with that.”
