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Middlesbrough: Patrick Bamford feels Aitor Karanka and Jose Mourinho are very similar

Patrick Bamford of Middlesbrough celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Manchester City
Image: Patrick Bamford: Middlesbrough striker scored the opening goal against Manchester City

Middlesbrough's FA Cup hero Patrick Bamford feels there are plenty of similarities between his current manager Aitor Karanka and Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

Karanka was Mourinho’s assistant during their time together at Real Madrid and snapped up 21-year-old Bamford on a season-long loan deal in the summer.

It has been a profitable move for both Bamford and Middlesbrough, who won 2-0 at Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday with the Chelsea loanee opening the scoring.

The England under-21 international was asked afterwards if Karanka's methods compared to Mourinho's, and said: "Yes, definitely. Training is very similar and the big thing is the desire to win. You could see that on Saturday - the passion, every detail is in there.

"He doesn't miss out a thing and he is very rigorous with his approach to every single game, whether it is Manchester City or whoever else we might play.

"Even if it was a lower-league team in the cup, it would be the same approach. It is all about winning."

Asked if Karanka could then be considered a 'mini Mourinho', Bamford said: "Yes, I think he is getting there!"

Bamford’s 53rd-minute strike set Boro on their way at the Etihad Stadium before Kike put the seal on the upset with the second goal in stoppage time.

The Chelsea youngster has scored 10 times this season and hopes his continued good form will eventually result in greater opportunities at Stamford Bridge.

The good relationship between Karanka and Mourinho, Bamford hopes, can only benefit his cause.

Bamford said: "They are always in touch and whenever he speaks the gaffer always says he's had a little chat with him and always makes a joke about it, so it is nice to know that I am in his thoughts.

"I've played against three Premier League teams now - Sunderland, Liverpool and Man City - and I have scored against all of them.

"I think it has shown that I can cut it at the top level, but we'll see what happens.

"I'd say this season is probably too early and I'm out on loan and that is helping me, but next season you never know."

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