Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka was encouraged by his side's performance in defeat to Manchester United on Saturday, and called on his players to continue their high standards as they look to battle to stay in the Premier League.
Boro looked like they were set to win the game after Grant Leadbitter scored in the 67th minute at Old Trafford, but goals from Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba late on gave the hosts a 2-1 win.
Aitor Karanka on Jose Mourinho: "Jose is here to win the league. He will be a success here. He is the best." pic.twitter.com/y2v4PW87Bo
After the game, according toSky Sports, Karanka said:"Again, football is about goals, and we saw it once again that we can compete against every single team. It is amazing.
"I told the players after that we have to forget the result as soon as possible but have to keep the performance, the intensity, the attitude of everybody. Last season we can here in the cup and competed, and again today.
"It's difficult when Man Utd finish the game with players like Ibrahimovic, Martial, Rashford, Mkhitaryan, Mata, Pogba on the pitch. Once again we have shown we can compete against every team.
"We've had a lot of good performances, especially against the top teams, so we just need to keep working in the same way. Playing the way we play against the top teams, we will win games.
"It's not a lesson because I know how important this experience is, when you don't have the quality other teams have, when you haven't been in the Premier League. So to have the experience as soon as possible is the most important thing.
"Now we have 18 points on the table, and with our consistency, our intensity, with that experience we will win more games."
Boro sit 16th and four points clear of the drop zone at the half way point of the season.
For more great content, subscribe to 90min on YouTube, and follow @_scottsaunders on Twitter!