Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino's friendship with Aitor Karanka will be put on hold this weekend

Eyes on the prize: Aitor Karanka wants to win all three points this weekend
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Sam Long23 September 2016

Aitor Karanka will put his friendship with Mauricio Pochettino on hold when Middlesbrough host Tottenham on Saturday afternoon.

The two managers know each other well, having competed their coaching badges together before embarking on their managerial careers.

Karanka took charge of Spain's Under-16 side in 2008 and progressed to an assistant role at Real Madrid before taking the Boro job on a permanent basis three years ago.

Pochettino, meanwhile, started his coaching career at Espanyol in 2009 and has thrived at both Southampton and Spurs, whom he led to third place in the Premier League last season.

The Argentine takes his side to Yorkshire this weekend aiming to extend Tottenham's unbeaten start to the season and while Karanka is eager to see his old friend, he remains determined to secure all three points.

"We did the licensing courses together an we have a really good relationship.

"We had a few players from Tottenham a few years ago so I'm looking forward to it.

"But after the referee blows the whistle we won't be friends for 90 minutes," he added.

Given his close relationship with Pochettino, Karanka believes he could have an edge over his managerial rival as he attempts to guide Boro to their first home victory of the season.

"Yes - but Tottenham has a clear plan.

"It's a very organised team. They put pressure on really well when they don't have the ball and when they do have the ball.

"It's nice to prepare for that type of game because you can do something to try to surprise them.

"They were close last season. This season they have improved their squad and they can fight until the end to win the league."

Spurs will be without Harry Kane for their trip to the Riverside Stadium but Vincent Janssen has declared himself ready to lead the line in his teammates' absence.

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