STEVE AGNEW has been conducting his pre-match press conference ahead of Middlesbrough's Monday-night trip to Chelsea.
Boro will be nine points adrift of safety with just three games remaining if Hull City beat Sunderland tomorrow, so face a huge uphill task to avoid relegation.
What did Agnew have to say ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge?
On Boro's injury situation:
"We've got Victor Valdes struggling with a rib injury, Daniel Ayala we'll see tomorrow as his ankle is still sore.
"Grant Leadbitter is back in training and so is Adlene Guedioura who'd been struggling with a groin. Gaston Ramirez has a pelvic problem."
On Boro's recent performances:
"I think the confidence and belief from players in recent weeks is there, just the Sunderland and Manchester City games, we saw everything come together.
"Those four points from six will give us plenty of confidence going into Chelsea.
"It would (be a great escape), but I've said we just have to focus on Chelsea. This is how tough the Premier League is and that's what we're doing."
On Chelsea:
"They're top of the Premier League, have some fantastic players and not only do they score goals but they're very organised behind the ball. It is a difficult fixture.
"Have I studied the defeat to Palace. Absolutely. I looked at it again this morning, the analysis of how we can get the result we need. It's areas of the field we have to exploit but at same time we have to put in a really organised performance.
"I don't want to give too much a way as that's our job, to know their strengths and weaknesses. But we'll keep looking at those. Palace did win at Chelsea but we also know there's plenty of strengths in there, they're a top team.
On Boro's FA charge:
"No I don't know the response, the football club are still ongoing with talks. Our CEO is continuing with the discussions."
On Boro's survival chances:
"I've been coaching for a number of years and one thing I bring is enthusiasm. The players in recent weeks have been brilliant, yesterday they were as bright and sharp as I've ever seen them.
"That gives us all the belief and confidence we need ahead of Monday. It's just energy, enthusiasm, direction - everything that's positive that's needed to rub off on the players during any session. Then we hope that reflects in our performance."
On Calum Chambers:
"He's been excellent, Calum is a very level headed boy, an intelligent player and a top defender. In recent weeks we've missed him, he's versatile, and not only has he got great defensive qualities but as we all know he's an Arsenal player and they're all capable of playing with a high level of technical ability.
"He's an Arsenal player and we have a full season loan with him, he's enjoying every minute and we're enjoying having him. Let's see what the summer brings."
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