Karanka confident in Middlesbrough’s spirit

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka is confident his side can escape Premier League relegation if they maintain their current work rate and effort.

A Harry Kane penalty denied Boro a share of the points at White Hart Lane and with Hull beating Liverpool 2-0, Karanka’s men are just a point above the relegation zone.

Victories for Swansea City and Leicester City could see Boro slip to 17th by the end of the weekend, although they both face sides inside the top six on Sunday.

“Tottenham are second so it’s just about keeping going because with these players, this attitude and this commitment we’re going to win games, for sure,” Karanka said.

“I think it was a penalty but we showed we can compete against the best teams.

“Again, the players have done their best and I can only say good things because they put everything on the pitch in every single game.”

(Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

With Boro playing in the evening kick-off, Karanka admitted that earlier results had put pressure on his side but was impressed with his side’s second half display.

“First half we went to the pitch knowing the other results put us under pressure and I told them at half-time that we had to play in the way we know how to play, without pressure,” Karanka added.

“That’s because when you are here [White Hart Lane] trying to get something against Tottenham under pressure, it’s impossible.”