London (AFP) – Aitor Karanka insists he will lead Middlesbrough into the Premier League next season despite reports he could leave the promoted Championship club.
Karanka’s future has been uncertain since March when the Middlesbrough manager stayed away from his club’s second-tier match at Charlton following a row with his squad over their poor performances.
It was suggested the Spaniard could part ways with Middlesbrough regardless of the result of their promotion shoot-out with Brighton on Saturday.
But speaking after a 1-1 draw against the Seagulls that ended Middlesbrough’s seven-year exile from the Premier League, Karanka made it clear he would still be in charge next term.
“I said in my last press conference I have three more years here, and the contract is there,” said Karanka, who signed a new four-year contract last year.
Asked specifically if he is still considering leaving the Riverside, Karanka added: “Today, thinking how difficult it has been to get promotion, I can say no.
“There are just 20 privileged managers who can be in the Premier League. I am going to be one of them after just two and a half years of experience, and that is amazing.”
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.