Middlesbro v Watford RAISE YOUR GAME!
Karanka gives Negredo and Ramirez a Boro wake-up call
AITOR KARANKA is demanding a reaction from Alvaro Negredo and Gaston Ramirez to their Middlesbrough demotion.
Boro boss Karanka dropped the duo for the 1-1 draw at West Ham two weeks ago in favour of Jordan Rhodes and Viktor Fischer. But Spain striker Negredo and Uruguay playmaker Ramirez are in contention to return today against Watford, despite having just one goal between them so far.
Karanka said: “At the start of the season, Alvaro and Gaston wanted to show how good they are. They were doing a really good job for the team, but both of them lost that. Knowing they are really good players, the main thing for me is to try to put the players who are working on the pitch for their team-mates.
“Gaston, at his best, can bring the best out of Alvaro. It’s my job to get the best from the players. Against West Ham, I decided to put them both on the bench – so let’s see now their reaction.
“The position Ramirez plays is really important. But this season we have players like Fischer, who can play in that position, Stewart Downing, who can play in that position and Adam Forshaw, who can sometimes play there.”
Karanka also recognises that Negredo, 31, is under scrutiny.
He added: “I knew it was going to be difficult for him. He started SAM VOKES will book in at a bed and breakfast tonight after Burnley’s trip to Southampton – and it won’t cost him a penny.
The Wales international (right) will hook up at Penny’s B & B in the knowledge that his credit is good with the landlady. “My mum runs a
Scrutiny
really well, but sometimes when you start really well you get a bit more relaxed and you lose your position. For that reason, he has to fight. He’s learning.
“I want him to find that edge again because, playing at his best, I can compare him with Benteke or Lukaku, or the better strikers in the league.’’
Ramirez has seen his compatriot Cristhian Stuani is outgunning Negredo – his opener against West Ham was his third goal this season.
Stuani has largely been used in a wide-right role, but Karanka said: “Stuani is an option through the middle because he played the last 30 minutes there against Tottenham. He prefers to play as a No.9, but I told him when I signed him which position he was going to play. But I know, as a second striker or striker, his record has been really good.’’ Watford boss Walter Mazzarri (below) wants to avoid a repeat of the loss at Burnley today. The Hornets were beaten 2-0 at Turf Moor in their most recent away fixture in the Premier League. Captain Troy Deeney was scathing of the team, saying the Hornets had been “bullied” by the Clarets, who wanted victory more. “We have to be focused, to play our game and be strong defensively,” said Mazzarri. “We have to keep in mind the game against Burnley so we know what mistakes not to repeat.”