MICHAEL Carrick admitted Middlesbrough's current league position and form is not good enough after his side's concerning slump continued at Sheffield United.
Boro went down 3-1 at Bramall Lane and slipped to ninth in the Championship after their fourth defeat in five league games.
It was the same old story for Boro, with shambolic defending again proving costly against the Blades, who Carrick's side now trail in the league standings by 23 points.
Promotion was - and is - the aim on Teesside this season so when it was put to Carrick that their current position is not good enough, the head coach said: "That's fair, yeah. I accept we want to be better.
"Because we've played well at certain times and expectations go up as well from the group and the outside, that's how it is.
"We have to accept that. I have no problem saying that but it doesn't mean it has to stay that way.
"We have to find a way. It's up to me and the staff and players together. It's my responsibility. We have to find a way."
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Jesurun Rak-Sakyi gave Sheffield United a deserved first half lead before Boro were gifted a soft penalty on the stroke of half-time and handed a route back into the game. Delano Burgzorg scored from the spot.
The game was in the balance in the second half but, as has been the case on so many occasions this season, Boro then self-destructed defensively and conceded two poor goals in the final quarter of an hour.
Carrick said: "It's another game that got away from us late on really.
"I don't think we started particularly well. We got into the game at the end of the first half and got the goal which gave us a good platform to build on. The second half it was in the balance for the most part and could have gone either way.
"The next goal was going to be important and the way it comes, it comes out of nowhere but it's something we could have done something about. They're the kind of moments that have been costing us.
"It's not a nice feeling losing tonight.
"I thought as the second half went on we were alright but it's that moment, whether it's concentration, focus, game understanding. We have to try and make it a bit easier for ourselves but we're making it harder."
Boro have now concede late goals in defeats to Preston, Sunderland and Sheffield United.
Carrick said: "I don't think it's fitness. I think it's a bit of concentration and focus, decision making, there's all sorts that come into it.
"We've had a tough, tough period. It's not nice when you go through it but it doesn't mean it lasts forever.
"We can flip it, we can do something about it. We can certainly improve things and change momentum.
"It's not going with us, that's plain to see, but it doesn't mean we can't change that by Saturday."
