Middlesbrough

Aitor Karanka: 'Middlesbrough cannot get carried away after bright start'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 08 September 2016

Aitor Karanka admits that Middlesbrough have "started really well" this season, but warns that tougher tests lie in wait over the coming weeks and months.

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has warned his players to keep their feet on the ground following an unbeaten start the season.

The Smoggies have taken five points from a possible nine on their return to the Premier League, earning draws against Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion while also seeing off Sunderland.

Karanka has strengthened his ranks since Boro's last outing, a well-earned stalemate at The Hawthorns, by bringing in versatile defender Calum Chambers on loan from Arsenal to help cover at the back.

Speaking to reporters ahead of his side's return to action at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, Karanka told reporters: "Sometimes in the market you can find bargains. We were waiting for the right player and Calum Chambers ticks all the boxes

"We have started really well but we can't get carried away because we know how difficult this league is. I prefer to arrive at my desk with this headache to choose my team. The attitude of the players is really good and I am really pleased.

"Crystal Palace are experienced and have a good manager. But we have to focus on ourselves and play in our style."

Boro head into the fourth round of Premier League fixtures sitting sixth in the table, four points off the division's early pacesetters at the top.