Aitor Karanka says he was hurt by Middlesbrough’s supporters calling for him to leave the club - but insists he will not walk away.
Boro were beaten 2-0 at Stoke last weekend to leave them three points from safety and without a win in 10 matches.
Fans turned on the Spaniard for the first time this season and he is now the clear favourite to become the next Premier League boss to lose his job.
Sportsmail understands that Karanka’s position is safe - for now - but poor results and supporter unrest during the upcoming matches against Manchester City and Manchester United will leave owner Steve Gibson under pressure to change manager.