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Ranking the 20 Premier League managers

By Roy Emanuel

Jose Mourinho posed for photographers at his unveiling as the new Manchester United manager
Jose Mourinho posed for photographers at his unveiling as the new Manchester United manager /
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LEICESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Manager Aitor Karanka of Middlesbrough during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Middlesbrough at King Power Stadium on November 26 , 2016 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Manager Aitor Karanka of Middlesbrough during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Middlesbrough at King Power Stadium on November 26 , 2016 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images) /

Aitor Karanka – Middlesbrough

Former Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao defender Aitor Karanka has displayed great passion during his three years in charge of Middlesbrough.

After a wait of seven years for their supporters, Karanka led Boro back to the Premier League by finishing runners-up in the Championship during the 2015-16 campaign. The previous season saw the club just miss out on promotion after falling to Norwich City in the play-off final.

His playing days as a defender certainly have influenced Karanka’s tactics in matches, normally favouring a 4-3-2-1 formation or even a 4-5-1 at times. Only two victories this season may draw criticism, but Boro have been competitive in nearly every encounter thus far.

The off-season ahead of 2016-17 was hectic in the transfer market, as it tends to be for clubs going from the Championship to the Premier League. Players like Gaston Ramirez, Alvaro Negredo and Adama Traore are still finding their feet within the squad but improving with each and every match.

Karanka’s intensity can boil over at times, as it did late last season in a training ground argument. The Spaniard even considered leaving the club according to reports at the time. But his commitment to Boro and passion for his players shines through.

Middlesbrough have struggled in 2016-17, but Aitor Karanka has proven to be a capable Premier League manager who will find ways to improve both quality and form within the team.

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