Players think they are untouchable says angry Boro boss Aitor Karanka

Karanka was far from impressed by Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Sheffield Wednesday.

Boro looked turgid, unimaginative and conceded all three goals from set-pieces.

Grant Leadbitter’s two goals in reply came from the penalty spot and even if Boro had managed to equalise, their Spanish boss was not prepared to pick at positives.

In fact, the only thing that he was upbeat about was that he could analyse the afternoon’s display immediately.

“It’s very difficult to explain. Where do I start?” a frustrated Karanka said.

“It is difficult to understand what happened on the pitch.

“Against Leeds (last Saturday) I knew why we lost.

“Today it is difficult to know as to why we conceded three goals and didn’t play in the way we usually play.

“The only good thing that we can take out of it is that we can analyse it.

“I will keep calm now and will analyse the game when I am home and the next few days to make sure we never play like that (again).”

Karanka was quick to highlight what he thought were the principal flaws in his side’s display.

“What went wrong? We conceded three goals from set-pieces.

“Conceding three goals from set-pieces makes it the worst game since I have been manager.”

More strikingly, Karanka chose to publicly question the attitude of his players. He added: “The way some of the players played (was also at fault).

“I don’t know if some of them think they are untouchable.

“I can’t understand at the moment.

“There was no complacency. I know my players but today some thought they were untouchable.”

Karanka will be looking for a reaction tomorrow night at the Riverside when Boro play host to Preston North End in the Capital One Cup.