Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has revealed that he is grateful for the stability and support he has had at the club since his arrival in 2013.

The Spaniard joined the club almost two years ago and has steadily improved his team, almost guiding them to the Premier League last season, only to suffer heartbreak in the Championship playoff final in their defeat to Norwich City.

Karanka's men face Leeds United in their next outing, who have had five full-time managers in the Spaniard's tenure at the Riverside Stadium, making the 42-year-old thankful for the good relationship he has with chairman Steve Gibson.

He told Sports Mole: "The best proof is from where we were two months ago to where we are now. At the start of the season it was difficult, we won one match out of the first five.

"The chairman was always confident in me and the team, and although we're not top of the table now, like last season we're fighting for promotion.

"It's the best example I can give that working together and that having a strong trust in your people brings success. In my 20 months here I have always felt his and whole club's support."

Middlesbrough are second in the Championship ahead of their match against Leeds at the Riverside on Sunday.