The Karanka Way

It’s fair to say new Boro manager Aitor Karanka has been thrown in at the deep end of the Championship. In Leeds, Bolton and Derby the Spaniard has been faced with three of the leagues in form sides and it doesn’t get any easier with an away trip to Birmingham tomorrow.   

He may have only been in charge for three games but already Karanka's Boro seem to have new aura about them. Having been a defender at Real Madrid Karanka appears to prefer a hard to break down and well organised brand of football to the flamboyant attacking kind.

At Leeds and Derby the Spaniard’s disciplined tactics may have been blown out the window as Boro were reduced to ten men in the first half of both games.

Aitor Karanka in his first match in charge of Boro 

But if Kanranka’s first home game is anything to go by, a slender 1-0 home win over Bolton, it suggested he’s a manager who likes his team to retain possession when possible preventing the opposition form scoring rather than going for goal themselves. That’s easier said than done with a Boro side who have conceded 28 in 18 matches so far this season. Nevertheless they’re proving it’s possible.

Yet Karanka’s new methods could have their consequences, especially if results don’t improve. Despite looking a much sounder defensive unit Boro appear to have lost some of their attacking threat which appealed to the fans.

The offensive pace of attackers Albert Adomah, Mustatpa Carayol, Marvin Emnes and Kei Kamara will mostly be used on the counter attack, with the defence clearly Karanka’s priority.

The supporters may have to be patient and buy into the new system, against Bolton Boro failed to have a shot in open play however if it’s what it takes to finally lift them out of the Championship there won’t be too many complaints.

For the meantime Boro sit 16^th in the league only four points adrift from the relegation zone, as they prepare to face fellow strugglers Birmingham tomorrow.

In the forthcoming months we’ll see if Karanka’s way proves to be the right way, in regards to getting Boro back nearer the top of the Championship. The fans certainly hope so but only time will tell.