Although Redknapp was understandably downbeat after the miserable 2-0 defeat, he insists there were no raised voices, no tea cups thrown and not a single under-performing player pinned up against the dressing room wall.

His good friend Sir Alex Ferguson is renowned for unleashing the infamous hairdryer on his Manchester United stars when they do not reach his high standards.

But Redknapp's man-management style is not based on fear. And he maintained his composure when it would have perhaps been easy to dish out a few home truths.

Redknapp explained: 'I don't get angry with the players too often because they don't need it.

'They've been fantastic all season, but I was disappointed with them at Middlesbrough and they know that.

'They didn't play well and we gave away two silly goals through set-plays.

'It's been a fantastic away record – probably only Chelsea have been better than us.

'We've been fantastic away from home, but we've been fantastic everywhere this season.

'And that's why I was disappointed.'

Some have suggested Pompey are now simply coasting towards their FA Cup final date on May 17.

But Redknapp has denied his players have allowed themselves to become distracted by the forthcoming Wembley showpiece.

He added: 'I have never spoken to the players about the Cup final, I've never talked about it at all to be honest.

'It was a tough semi-final and then we went to West Ham on the Tuesday night and won there.

'We played alright against Newcastle and I thought we played alright against Blackburn as well.

'At Manchester City we played with 10 men for 55 minutes when we were 2-1 behind. I felt if we'd had 11 men we'd have beaten them.

'But Saturday I was disappointed. We didn't play well and Boro deserved the win.'