Middlesbrough v Wolves: Only word I have for Boro fans is '˜thanks' '“ Aitor Karanka

MIDDLESBROUGH head coach Aitor Karanka insists his feelings have not changed since controversially stating that some fans would be happy despite Tuesday's defeat at Blackburn '“ because he switched to a 4-4-2 formation.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Mar 2016, 06:03 BST
Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka (Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire).Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka (Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire).
Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka (Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire).

Third-placed Boro host Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight, with the Teesside club seeking to cast aside a poor performance at Ewood Park in midweek when they squandered the chance to go two points clear at the top of the Championship.

After the game, Karanka said he felt that some supporters would be happy due to the fact that he started with two orthodox strikers in Jordan Rhodes and David Nugent after moving away from his usual 4-2-3-1 formation.

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Karanka reminds grateful for the overwhelming support he has received from fans since joining the club, but says he still feels the same way as he did after Tuesday’s game regarding his comments.

Asked whether he felt the same two days on at his pre-match press conference, Karanka replied: “Yes, I feel the same, but I don’t know why you want to put me against the crowd.

“I said always that the fans and the chairman at this club are the most important thing because I have been here for two years and I will leave, I don’t know when.”

Specifically as to why he made the comments, Karanka – issuing a message of thanks for the support of fans – said: “I walk through the streets, I have friends, everyone is telling me that the fans want to play 4-4-2. For that reason I said that.

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“But once again, the only words I have for them (the fans) is thanks. Always.

“I have nothing against them. I know how important they are, especially when we play at home, so don’t try to put me against them.”

Boro boast a formidable record against tonight’s opponents Wolves having not lost to them on home soil since 1951. The need for that sequence to be maintained has been heightened by Tuesday’s loss.

Fewer than 250 Wolves fans are expected at the Riverside tonight, with many away supporters boycotting the fixture due to the £32 cost of tickets.

Last six games: Middlesbrough DDDWWL, Wolves DDLLLW.

Referee: S Attwell (Warwickshire).

Last time: Middlesbrough 3 Wolves 0; September 22, 2015; Capital One Cup.

Related topics:BoroBlackburnTeessideDavid Nugent