Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka refuses to criticise his players following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Everton in the Premier League.
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The Spaniard was reluctant to offer his opinion on the validity of the goal, or Ashley Williams’ challenge on Victor Valdes which led to Gareth Barry scoring Everton’s equaliser on his 600th Premier League appearance.
“You would rather this start than what we’ve had the past couple of season”, said the Republic of Ireland worldwide.
“When I say how proud I am of my players, he is one of them because when I came here, he had come from Doncaster, the club at that time was going to League One, and for me to have players like him on the pitch is a pleasure”. If he had played at his proper level last season, we would have had to pay £30-35m to sign him.
The defeat by Palace was Boro’s first since their return to the top flight and followed a victory at Sunderland and draws with Stoke and West Brom.
“It’s disappointing when you lose a game but I have to say I’m really pleased with my players”, he said.
However, while Karanka makes no bones about how tough this season is going to be, he is confident his players can handle the shift in emphasis. I have to do my job and I have to let the referees do their job.
“It encouraged them and we lost our concentration”.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka felt their opening goal, awarded when Negredo robustly challenged Stekelenburg, changed the game in thehosts’ favour.
“I played as a central defender and for me, he was an example”.
He said: “I think they know”.
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“I know it’s a boring answer but we’re just looking to the next game and go into the global break with two more wins”.
