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After a weekend of turmoil on Teesside, we look to explain what has happened with Aitor Karanka and Middlesbrough, and what will happen next. Footballers have been known to go AWOL from time to time. There was Lewis Grabban going missing from the Norwich team hotel, Carlos Tevezs disappearance following a famous spat with Roberto Mancini and Pierre van Hooijdonk going on strike for lack of player investment at Nottingham Forest.But, it is unprecedented for a manager to refuse to travel with his team for a fixture, with no excuses offered. Karanka has bucked the trend, and caught fans and experts alike completely by surprise. What has happened at Middlesbrough, and why has such an event taken place and where do they go from here? We take a look...What happened following midweek defeat at Rotherham? Rotherham celebrate over Boro which instigated row The Spanish coach stormed out of the clubs Rockcliffe Park Training Ground on Friday and told his players he didnt want to manage them again after a heated post-training row - instigated by Karankas criticism of his players after their 1-0 defeat at Rotherham in midweek.The former Real Madrid assistant was true to his word, and did not travel for Boros 2-0 defeat against Charlton at The Valley on Sunday, leaving Steve Agnew to take charge of the team instead.Did the teams form warrant Karankas anger? Middlesbrough went clear at the top after Brentford win Having derailed Brightons unbeaten start to the season with an emphatic 3-0 win at Amex Stadium, Boro hit the top of the table, and after a 1-0 win at Brentford on January 12, they held a five point lead at the top, with a game in hand.However, three wins from the subsequent 11 matches, losing their last three on the road and scoring just one goal in the process has angered Karanka.Those successive defeats on the road have come against sides much lower down the division - infuriating Karanka yet further.Why did Karanka take such drastic action? Middlesbrough players have good rapport in north east Sky sources understand that the players were concerned that criticism would damage the high morale at the club, which led to the heated team meeting taking place.Karanka has previous with this squad. Back in August. Albert Adomah handed in a transfer request after a bust-up with his manager, before revoking it in September as the pair patched up their relationship.Stewart Downing has also had his disagreements with Karanka, and at such a critical stage of the campaign, Karanka felt that the players were working to their own agenda, which warranted such unusual action.Are promotion hopes in jeopardy? Gaston Ramirez (left) celebrates against Wolves Well, no. What is most surprising about all the upheaval on Teesside is that Boro are still very much primed to seal automatic promotion back to the Premier League.Despite their recent woes, Karankas side sit second in the Championship, and victory over promotion rivals Hull on Friday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, would strengthen their position yet further.Whats more, four of their next five matches are at home - everything is still very much in their own hands.What was the response from players, fans and staff? Middlesbrough fans have backed Karanka Both the Middlesbrough fans and coaching staff have certainly nailed their colours to the mast. The travelling Boro faithful sang Karankas name at the Valley on Sunday, and voted overwhelming in local media polls, backing the Spaniard in the bust-up.Goalkeeper coach Leo Percovich wasnt afraid to make his feelings known at the Valley, unveiling a training top with AK embezzled on it.And the players? Their woeful showing in Sundays defeat actually gave credence to Karankas views.What will happen now? Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson wants issue resolved According to Sky sources, the tact has changed in 48 hours. Karankas refusal to travel with the team did not sit well with Steve Gibson and the board, casting serious doubts over the Spaniards long-term future.However, with Boros inept showing at Charlton adding weight to Karankas argument that the players are not giving him enough, Karanka has received some sympathy from the Boro hierarchy.One way or another, Gibson is thought to be keen to resolve the issue sooner rather than later, especially with the clubs pivotal clash with Hull coming up.Ian Holloways view Highlights of Charlton v Middlesbrough from the Sky Bet Championship To me it looks like they lost their focus [at Charlton]. Theyve lost their leader. In the Championship you have little bumps in the road that you have to overcome. Youve got to be together but theyve not done that.Are they in a mini-crisis? Yes, they are. Theyve been really good - had outstanding spells - but the mini-crisis to me is losing a manager of his ilk at this crucial stage in the season. At this stage you need stability, belief and togetherness.If there have been some arguments, well, sometimes conflict is healthy; you come out the other side stronger.Somethings gone wrong - we dont know what - but Middlesbrough need to shake themselves down because the Hull game is massive. Get Sky Sports Alerts Breaking news, line ups and goal alerts from your football club - direct to your mobile Also See: Karanka could stay Charlton win amid fan protest Watch Championship goals Charlton fans mock funeral Clarence Weatherspoon Jersey . Sundays race will be held at the Sepang circuit, adjacent to Kuala Lumpurs main airport where the ill-fated flight took off earlier this month. Authorities now say it is almost certain it crashed in the Indian Ocean, killing all 239 people aboard. Markelle Fultz Jersey . Chris Heisey followed with a two-run triple and Billy Hamilton added an RBI double, all but sealing Cincinnatis fourth straight victory and seventh in eight games. Brandon Phillips, celebrating his 33rd birthday, hit a go-ahead homer in the ninth for the Reds before pinch-hitter Buster Posey tied it with an RBI double off hard-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman in the bottom half. http://www.76ersstore.com/kids-zhaire-smith-76ers-jersey/ .com) - Fair Grounds commences its road to the Kentucky Derby Saturday with the 71st running of the $200,000 Lecomte Stakes. Joel Embiid Jersey . Strasburg (1-1) got 14 consecutive outs in one stretch and allowed only three hits, including Marcell Ozunas homer in the seventh. The right-handers lone walk was to the last batter he faced. Washingtons starter Wednesday, Jordan Zimmermann, left after a career-low 1 2-3 innings, leaving the bullpen "taxed," as manager Matt Williams put it. Jimmy Butler Jersey . "No difference at all," chirped U.S. roommate and linemate James van Riemsdyk. "Its still the same cranky Phil.OKLAHOMA CITY - Russell Westbrook has taken his game up a notch since Kevin Durants latest injury.In six games since Durants latest setback, Westbrook has averaged 30.2 points, 8.1 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 3.2 steals for Oklahoma City. The three-time All-Stars overall scoring average of 28 points would lead the league if he had played in enough games to qualify, but he missed 14 games early in the season with a broken bone in his right (non-shooting) hand. A player must compete in 70 per cent of his teams contests to officially top a category.Westbrook always has been a highlight waiting to happen, but this year, a greater mastery of the games nuances has complemented his freakish explosiveness. He is looking for his teammates more often, taking fewer three pointers, using his athleticism to get to the free throw line more frequently and playing steady defence consistently.Thunder coach Scott Brooks announced that Durant will return Wednesday night against Phoenix, but Westbrook already has left his impression.Its always a tough matchup when you see a top point guard, especially him, Portland point guard Damian Lillard said after both scored 40 points in their matchup last week. I respect him right up there at the top with any player in the league. Not just point guards — with any player in the league, because of how tough it is to play against him on both ends of the floor.With Durant out with a broken bone in his right foot, Westbrook opened the season with 38 points against Portland before getting hurt in the second game against the Los Angeles Clippers. In his first game back, Westbrook scored 32 points in 24 minutes in a win over the New York Knicks. With Durant sidelined, Westbrook had 34 points, 11 assists and five steals in a Christmas Day win at defending champion San Antonio. He recently had a stretch of games in which he scored at least 26 points snapped at 11.He has increased his defensive focus, too. His 2.3 steals per game would be ahead of the league leader if he had played enough games.Hes been locked in for longer stretches, Thunder forward Nick Collison said. Just his basic defence, starting with pressuring the ball and staying in front of his man and being in the right spots — hes been a lot more consistent with that, and I think thats part of maturing for him and realizing how important it is for him to play both ends.ddddddddddddAs an offensive player, Westbrooks greatest improvement has been in shot selection. He attempted 4.7 3-pointers per game last season, but that average is down to 3.1. Instead, hes driving to the hoop, drawing fouls and shooting 9.5 free throws per game.Its (the 3-pointer) not always a great shot for myself or for my team, so Ive got to do a better job of taking those out, Westbrook said. My advantage is attacking, regardless of whos in front of me, and Ive got to use my advantage to help my team and myself.Westbrook still has his moments. Hes shooting about 40 per cent in the fourth quarter this season, and his assists drop significantly late in games. He still sometimes forces things, especially when Durant isnt playing. But his immense talent and overall play makes those moments more tolerable.Hes had a great month of shooting the ball, Brooks said. Hes had a couple of off shooting nights, which every player will go through. His shot selection for the month of December, since hes been back, has been good, he said. All in all, hes played great basketball for us, and put us in position to win a lot of games.Westbrooks increased maturity has extended beyond the court. When things dont go well, he has accepted responsibility. After he got a technical foul late in regulation in the loss to Portland that helped fuel the Trail Blazers comeback, he took the hit.That was my fault, he said. I think that was the turning point in the game, for us and our energy. I didnt think I deserved it (the technical), but Ive got to do a better job of controlling my emotions, especially when the game is on the line like that. I take the blame for that. It turned the whole game around for them and it gave them a chance to win the game.More often than not, Westbrooks play has led to wins. The Thunder are 15-17 overall, but 11-7 with Westbrook in the lineup.The game is continuing to slow down for him, like it does for all players, Brooks said. I like what hes doing. Hes been able to lead us game after game after game. Hes a better player all the way around.___Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CliffBruntAP . 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