Somewhat unsurprisingly, Middlesbrough have relieved Aitor Karanka of his duties following the team’s slide into the Premier League relegation zone.
The news was broken today, with Karanka ultimately paying the price for having not mustered a win in the league since mid-December.
MFC can today confirm the departure of Head Coach Aitor Karanka – https://t.co/n9Fuh3w7j8 pic.twitter.com/F9cOPD97dj
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) March 16, 2017
Of course, the man himself was perfectly congenial in accepting the decision, and took the time to thank all the players and staff who’d served alongside side him for the last three and a half years…
I’d like to thank @Boro for a wonderful opportunity and the players, staff and all the people at the club who I have worked with. #UTB 1/3 pic.twitter.com/JPYTy8XM0H
— Aitor Karanka (@Karanka) March 16, 2017
I’d also like to thank the fans for their support. This club will always hold a special place for me. 2/3
— Aitor Karanka (@Karanka) March 16, 2017
I wish everyone connected with Middlesbrough Football Club the very best for the future. Up The Boro! 3/3
— Aitor Karanka (@Karanka) March 16, 2017
The club also confirmed that assistant head coach Steve Agnew has taken over first-team affairs with immediate effect.
With 11 games left to play, Boro are currently second bottom, three points above Sunderland and three points adrift of safety.
They have also scored the fewest goals in the Premier League so far this campaign (a meagre 19) from the fewest attempted shots on target (65) under Karanka’s stewardship.
Guess that’s what happens when you set your team up to play for the 1-0 defeat every week.