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Middlesbrough midfielder Marten de Roon insists players are behind coach Steve Agnew as they battle the drop

Middlesbrough players let down their former manager Aitor Karanka but must now focus on delivering results under interim boss Steve Agnew to secure their Premier League status, midfielder Marten de Roon has said.

Relegation candidates Middlesbrough sacked Karanka in March after a dismal run which included four victories in 27 league games, scoring just 19 goals in the process.

'I would never blame a manager...It is always the players,' De Roon told reporters. 'You cannot sack 25 players but you can sack the manager and hope for something great.

Marten de Roon has insists the Middlesbrough dressing room are behind coach Steve Agnew
Marten de Roon has insists the Middlesbrough dressing room are behind coach Steve Agnew

'I think as a team we let the first gaffer down and then we didn't get a win so soon after so I think it is our responsibility and not the coach.