Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has told his players they must alter their mentality if they are to challenge for honours in the Premier League.

Southgate watched as his side gave Chelsea a scare at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and believes the club have the potential to challenge the top sides.

"We've got players who can cause teams like this problems," he told BBC Tees.

"If we continue to think it's OK to lose 1-0 or 2-0 at places like this we'll continue to be a mid-table club."


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A lacklustre first-half display was followed by an impressive second period and Southgate was determined to take the positives despite the scoreline.


Let's not pat ourselves on the back for losing 1-0

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate

"I think we've got to be realistic that, first half, if we come in two or three down it wouldn't have been an unfair scoreline," he said.

"We've created great chances at the end, we've had a decent shout for a penalty turned down.

"Let's not pat ourselves on the back for losing 1-0. Let's continue to build as a team."