Aitor Karanka expressed his frustration at the manner of his Middlesbrough side's 1-0 loss at home to Chelsea, but also indicated his happiness with their determination to stay in the game.
Chelsea won the match with a single goal, scored by Diego Costa just before half time. However, Karaoke's side put the pressure on in the final ten minutes and almost prevented their visitors from taking away their sixth straight victory.
The team showed great attitude against Chelsea today. It's not the result we wanted, but we'll continue on with the same determination. #UTB pic.twitter.com/8KnxCcPRNX
"The word is frustration," Karanka confessed toBBC Sport, "because we knew before the game that we were playing against a top of the league team and we knew it was going to be difficult, but I think we showed once again that we can compete against those teams face to face."
"One mistake punished us."
Middlesbrough entered the match at the Riverside with question marks over their attacking threat, having struggled to score goals throughout the season.
"You have to go forward but you cannot forget you are playing against a team like Chelsea, they have scored sixteen goals in their last five games. They almost lost in the last few minutes, wasting time."
#Middlesbrough were 'almost perfect' in Chelsea loss - Aitor Karanka https://t.co/HeojOHqyvP pic.twitter.com/AGtsbr8pPC
"The effort of the players has been amazing. We look confident, if we continue playing how we have been playing in the last month we will win games."
The Teeside club are only one point above the relegation zone, but have endured a difficult run of fixtures recently against Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.
"I think the team is improving, it's better. Now we have other teams to play but we have to be really proud of the last games."