Karanka stands by criticism of Middlesbrough fans

(Reuters) - Manager Aitor Karanka has no regrets over his stinging criticism of the Middlesbrough supporters following their Premier League loss to West Ham United at home last weekend and said his decision was even endorsed by his players. Karanka was unhappy with the crowd baying for his players to change tactics in the dying seconds of the defeat, describing the atmosphere at the Riverside as "awful", and claimed his side "deserve more respect" from their supporters. "The players thought the thing I said to the press was completely right. They told me I was completely right. I didn't need to hear that though, I could feel it," Karanka told British media. "That's why I said it in the press conference -- because I could feel their faces when I was in the dressing room. I won't ever regret something I have said to defend the players. I wanted respect for the players. "When we were fighting to get to the Premier League we played in one style and the crowd understood but the people who are coming now are demanding we play another style and the players don't know how to do that." Middlesbrough host fourth-tier side Accrington Stanley in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday before they face West Bromwich Albion in the league three days later. (Reporting by Shravanth Vijayakumar in Bengaluru)