Monday 2 January 2017 21:18, UK
Aitor Karanka was left very pleased by Middlesbrough's performance in their goalless draw against Leicester on Monday.
Boro enjoyed the better chances at the Riverside with Gaston Ramirez going closest, but they failed to break down a stubborn Foxes defence.
Karanka, who refused to comment on reports Aston Villa have accepted a £6m offer from Middlesbrough for Rudy Gestede, said his side gave everything to beat Leicester.
"I am pleased with them because two days after a tough defeat on Saturday [2-1 to Man Utd], it was difficult to play at home against a direct opponent," Karanka told Sky Sports.
"We cant forget they won the league last season and they are playing in the Champions League and once again we were better than them.
"We were better than them away, we were better than them today at home and I am pleased with the performance. We had chances to score and we couldn't.
"We know we will have to suffer a lot this season and when we don't score goals we have to keep our clean sheet so we know it will be a tough season, playing in this way.
"I am really pleased with them because the last two games they have been perfect."
When asked about Boro's interest in Gestede, Karanka added: "I don't know anything about that. I have been preparing for the two games, I have been busy preparing Man Utd and today.
"The main thing is to finish the transfer market on January 31 with a better squad than the one we have now."
Boro had a first-half penalty appeal rejected by referee Bobby Madley after Adama Traore went down under the challenge of Robert Huth.
The Leicester defender told Sky Sports after the game he expected Madley to award the spot-kick, but Karanka preferred to focus on the positives.
"If he said it was a penalty I can say nothing," the Middlesbrough boss added.
"It is the league - sometimes you are going to receive and sometimes you are going to be punished. We have to keep going, we are in a good position.
"We have played two games and two really good performances for me. Now we have a chance to play in the FA Cup, which is an important trophy for us."
