Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has conceded that his side were beaten by the better team in their 3-0 defeat to Hull City at the KC Stadium.

Goals from Mohamed Diame, Sam Clucas and Tom Huddlestone guided the Tigers to the three points in their clash against their promotion rivals.

Karanka has admitted that he had no complaints about his side's loss, and believes that his team need to be more ambitious in matches against teams around them in the Championship table.

He told the club's official website: "They were much better than us. It was difficult because we started well and had chances to score the first, but we didn't. They are one of the better teams in the league and we need to be more ambitious.

"If we are comfortable we have problems and most of the time it is the same. Last season I said we thought we were better than we were but this season we have one of the best squads in the league.

"We need to be ambitious, though, and score more goals. We started really well and felt comfortable. We have to know how we are and have more ambition to win the games."

Middlesbrough remain fourth in the Championship following their defeat.