Aitor Karanka took over at Granada this month, with the club fighting against relegation from Spain’s top flight.
They’re currently in the relegation zone, but just a point from safety, and the manager is trying to bring everybody together at the club, including non-footballing staff, as they fight for their future.
He’s approaching things with a typical warmness and optimism, shown during his period with Middlesbrough, and clearly feels he can help Granada out of their current difficult situation.
Karanka has been speaking to Marca, and managed a few nice words for Middlesbrough, as he often does.
When asked if his experiences in England were enriching, the 48-year-old said: “It was clear to me, after Madrid it was clear that I wanted to go abroad, I already wanted to go to England when I was a player, and when I had the opportunity to go there I had no doubts. I went to Middlesbrough and it felt like I went to the best place in the world because I was so welcomed and I still have a great relationship to this day.”
The Spaniard also had spells in charge of Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City whilst in English football, but had nothing to say about them directly and it’s clear he still holds a place in his heart for Middlesbrough.
Granada face Celta Vigo at home on Sunday, and then Mallorca, with the latter game being something of a six-pointer. They then face Athletic Club, Real Betis and Espanyol.
