Rockliffe has today hosted Aitor Karanka's press conference ahead of Crystal Palace's visit to Middlesbrough on Saturday September 10th.
Boro's transfer business
Karanka was asked about his first transfer window as Middlesbrough's head coach, "Yes I was really pleased but not just at the end."
He added, "We had our first meeting days after winning promotion so it means we went to Spain with new players."
The former Real Madrid assistant manager was asked about his two most recent signings in the press conference: "Calum (Chambers) ticks all the boxes. He can play in different positions, he's a good player and a good kid." Karanka went on to mention how he hopes the England under-21 international can feature on Saturday.
Middlesbrough's head coach also spoke highly of his final deadline day signing, Adama Traore: "He has everything, but I could understand (his struggles) at Aston Villa, he was a young player... I think and hope i can get the best out of him."
Triple injury boost for Karanka
When quizzed about injuries to his squad, the Spaniard revealed that George Friend, Marten de Roon and Victor Valdes are all available for selection, with Grant Leadbitter and James Husband being Boro's only absentees.
This will give Karanka a selection headache, as Adam Forshaw has played admirably in Boro's past two matches and would be very unlucky to lose his place in the side.
It is assumed, however, that Friend would return to the squad and retake the captain's armband, along with Valdes returning between the sticks.
On the opposition
Crystal Palace come into the game having gained just one point from their opening three matches.
Chairman Steve Parish has come out today and said that the Eagles need to perform better and "return to winning ways".
Manager Alan Pardew would have hoped new signing Loic Remy would have played on Saturday, but the Frenchman is ruled out along with compatriot Yohan Cabaye.
Aitor Karanka commented on this, and said: "When (teams) come without their best players, it can be good but in other ways it can be worse because you think it’s an easy game."
Karanka also complimented Palace's dealings in the recent transfer window, and he expects his side to "keep working and going in our way".