Aitor Karanka: Middlesbrough boss blames Cardiff loss on his mood

Aitor Karanka led Middlesbrough to the play-off final in 2015 only to lose to Norwich City

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has blamed his side's latest Championship defeat on his frustrated mood.

Tuesday's 1-0 loss at Cardiff followed a defeat by Reading and goalless draw with Fulham after seven wins in a row.

"After Fulham I was really frustrated. I wanted to motivate them for Tuesday's game by showing them my frustration and that I was down," he told BBC Tees.

"They took it the other way and went to the game in the way that I had been, so it was my mistake."

The Spanish boss also said he would not change the way his team played to combat negative tactics deployed against the Teessiders.

"We have to play with our style, intensity and spirit and not to finish the game thinking that they played defensively, they are excuses," he added.

"I don't like excuses because excuses are for losers and we are not losers."

Karanka confirmed forward Christian Stuani will not feature in Boro's tie with Wolves on Saturday with a muscle problem.