The former Real Madrid assistant boss left the Riverside by mutual agreement and was "tired" after over three years in charge
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has praised manager Aitor Karanka for “sacrificing himself” as the club battle relegation.
The former Real Madrid assistant boss left the Riverside by mutual agreement on Thursday after arriving in 2013 and leading Boro to the Premier League. But with the club second from bottom of the standings, a fresh approach was required.
“He sacrificed himself,” Gibson told The Times. “I know people are cynical when you say that a decision was mutual, but he wasn't sacked.