Thursday 14 April 2016 20:47, UK
Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Clayton has told the FL72 Podcast the bust-up between Aitor Karanka and his players that threatened to sink their season has instead galavanised their promotion challenge.
Adam Forshaw's injury-time winner against Reading on Tuesday night sent Karanka's side to the Championship summit, two points clear of second-placed Burnley with five games left to play.
It is just a month since Karanka appeared on the brink of quitting the Riverside after he walked out of a team meeting, but he stayed on and has since guided the club to five consecutive wins.
Middlesbrough travel to relegated Bolton on Saturday, which is live on Sky Sports 1, and Burnley on Tuesday knowing two wins will put them within touching distance of the Premier League, and Clayton says morale is sky high.
"It was a testing period but it brought everyone closer and made us realise we all want the same things; the fans, the players, the staff," Clayton told FL72 Podcast.
"If anything it settled the ship down and got us all going again knowing that we have got to do it for ourselves. It's been a good thing in the end to just regalvanise the players.
"There has never been an issue with the manager and the team, [the relationship] has always been very good. There is even more togetherness, knowing that we all want exactly the same thing. We are all trying to fight for the same thing and it showing in the performances."
Clayton, who joined Middlesbrough from Huddersfield in August 2014, revealed his admiration for his manager's intense drive and desire to win.
"There is not a stone unturned on his part and he expects the same when you go on the pitch," Clayton said. "He is one of the best in terms of game preparation, and he expects the same from his players."
After Saturday's trip to Bolton, Middlesbrough face second-placed Burnley on Tuesday night, a potentially pivotal night in the Championship race.
"Are we feeling more anxious? Not particularly, no," Clayton said. "The amount of drama that has gone on at our club this season, we feel like we are back in a routine. During the middle of the season it felt routine, winning games. It felt like we could go out and play well. It feels a bit more like that at the moment."
Clayton said his side cannot afford to take their eye off the ball against Bolton, despite the fact the Trotters were relegated on Saturday after their 4-1 defeat against Derby County.
"We know the importance of this game and we know we can't expect three points," Clayton added. "You have to be careful, but we won't be complacent. We have not done so well when it looks like it should be a guaranteed three points. You could easily lose a game and it's right back against you. If we get three points on Saturday we can focus on Tuesday."
It was a testing period but it brought everyone closer and made us realise we all want the same things; the fans, the players, the staff.
On the Burnley game, Clayton added: "It won't decide anything but it will go to making a large dent in their team if we can win it. Both teams will properly be up for that one.
"Hopefully it will keep falling on our side and we can just get over the line. That's all that matters at this time; just getting over the line."
