Middlesbrough's new manager

Middlesbrough have confirmed the appointment of the former Real Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka as their new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The 40-year-old Karanka turned down EPL strugglers Crystal Palace to move to Teesside after taking advice from Chelsea boss Mourinho. With Karanka's appointment, it means four English clubs, 3 EPL and 1 Championship, are now managed by former Mourinho's protege. Does he will follow the steps of Andre Villas Boas, Brendan Rodgers and Steve Clarke? Rumors are Mourinho wanted to take Karanka to Chelsea with him but Spaniard as he wanted to become a first-team coach. "I know him very, very well," said Mourinho of his former assistant. "I think the club that gets him, whether in England or another country, will be a lucky club." Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson too must think so. He looked for a foreign manager after parting way with three British coaches, in Gareth Southgate, Gordon Strachan and Tony Mowbray since Steve McClaren quit to become England manager in 2006. Southgate left the club in October 2009 while both Gordon Strachan and Tony Mowbray have gone having failed to secure a play-off place during their tenure. Gibson choose footballing philosophy over experience as Karanka's appointment to a first managerial position could be a risk due to his lack of experience as manager and the fact has never worked in England. Gibson could have gone on homegrown and more suited names such as Stuart Pearce, Chris Coleman or Tony Pulis. Former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as well Stuart Pearce are among the alternatives. Instead, he opted for Karanka, a fluent English speaker, a tactical brain and an extremely highly regarded coach in his homeland. The 40-year-old was his country’s Under-16 coach for two seasons from 2008 after a player career during which he won the Champions League three times with Real, as well La Liga in 2001.Karanka's Middlesbrough move shows how much Spanish influence extended to EPL. Spain remains attractive to England owners and Karanka's recruitment was favourited by his knowledge of the Spanish game. Foreign manager does not guarantee success. ANd it is Spaniard’s first step in a management role. Obviously, Karanka prepared himself studying DVDs of all Boro's games. The immediate challenge for Karanka is to re-store Middlesbrough’s fortunes as they are currently struggling in 16th in the Championship. But future tasks are high as Gibson wants his team getting promotion as quickly as possible.