Friday 17 March 2017 15:27, UK
Caretaker manager Steve Agnew has insisted there was no rift between Aitor Karanka and his players prior to the Spaniard being sacked by Middlesbrough on Thursday.
Agnew has been placed in temporary charge at the Riverside Stadium after Karanka lost his job as Boro boss following a run of 10 Premier League matches without a win.
Asked if Karanka had been at odds with the playing squad, Agnew said: "No. Not at all."
He added: "The players always train well. They're probably the best group of players I've ever worked with in terms of their application and attitude towards everything they do.
"We're like many teams that haven't had a bit of luck. I'm sure that will come in the coming weeks."
Former Barnsley and Sunderland midfielder Agnew, 51, was assistant head coach for most of Karanka's three-and-a-half-year spell on Teesside, with included promotion to the top flight last year.
He takes the helm with Boro, who host Manchester United on Sunday, 19th in the Premier League table and three points from safety.
"The work Aitor has put in has been incredible," said Agnew.
"I've enjoyed not just his work and assisting him, but also his company.
"In the end, football is all about results. We all know that. But I would never have a bad word to say about Aitor in terms of what he's done for the club."
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