Aitor Karanka sacked by Middlesbrough

Aitor Karanka has left his job as Middlesbrough manager after discussions with the club.
The club confirmed the news in a statement on their website, which said the decision had been made as ‘both parties have agreed that it is in the best interests of the club.

Karanka had lost dressing room after a series of public outbursts, while chairman Steve Gibson was alarmed when he criticised fans in press conference and then when the board over a lack of signings. This week his most recent fallout, with homegrown winger Stewart Downing, proved the final straw.

The statement said: ‘The club would like to thank Aitor for all his hard work over the past three-and-a-half years and for the success we’ve had during that time. We wish him all the best for the future.’
The club website also features a statement from Karanka, who leaves the club 19th in the Premier League and without a win in the league in 2017.
The messge – also tweeted from Karanka’s official account – said: ‘I’d like to thank Middlesbrough for a wonderful opportunity and the players, staff and all the people at the club who I have worked with. I’d also like to thank the fans for their support.