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Aitor Karanka could stay at Middlesbrough as parties prepare to talk

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
Image: Aitor Karanka did not take charge of Middlesbrough against Charlton but could yet stay at the club

Aitor Karanka could yet resolve his issues with Middlesbrough and remain in charge of the club, Sky Sports News HQ understands.

Karanka did not travel for Boro's 2-0 defeat against Charlton at The Valley on Sunday, with assistant manager Steve Agnew taking charge of the team instead.

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The Middlesbrough boss is thought to have stormed out of the club's Rockcliffe Training Ground on Friday after telling his players he no longer wanted to be their manager.

It is understood Karanka is now due to meet with the club's hierarchy on Tuesday to discuss his future.

Sky sources believe there is a will from both sides to address the situation positively rather than part ways.

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Highlights of Middlesbrough's 2-0 Championship defeat at Charlton on Sunday

That could therefore see the Spaniard stay in his position after he had looked set to leave this week.

If he does remain, Karanka will have to work quickly to repair his relationship with his squad in order to prevent Middlebrough's promotion challenge from faltering further.

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The 42-year-old is believed to have questioned the team's desire to reach the Premier League in a heated exchange following a 1-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Rotherham on Tuesday.

Steve Agnew took Middlesbrough's team at Charlton in Karanka's absence
Image: Steve Agnew took Middlesbrough's team at Charlton in Karanka's absence

It is understood it was not the first time Karanka has had an altercation with his players this season, having already clashed with wingers Albert Adomah and Stewart Downing.

Travelling Boro fans were vocal in their backing of Jose Mourinho's former Real Madrid assistant during the weekend defeat in London.

Stewart Downing in action for Middlesbrough
Image: Stewart Downing in action for Middlesbrough

After the club released a statement on Saturday morning saying Agnew would be in charge at Charlton, no more official comment has been made.

Speaking to Sky Sports before kick-off at The Valley, Agnew said: "The club have released a statement so we have to just respect the wishes of the club and prepare for a football match."

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