Karanka guided Middlesbrough to promotion after the club had lost the Championship play-off final to Norwich the previous season. The following campaign, his side avoided another nervous finish by securing a top-two place.
“Aquela temporada foi incrível. O que conquistamos foi reflexo do trabalho das temporadas anteriores.”
The quote reflects a familiar promotion truth: successful teams are often built through disappointment. Middlesbrough’s current squad will need the same resilience, particularly with expectations rising around the Riverside.
The possibility of returning to the elite has stirred memories from several eras of the club. Christian Karembeu, who attended a commemorative event with former Middlesbrough figures, described the prospect as a new revolution.
“Seria fantástico para todos, especialmente para os torcedores. Eles esperam há muito tempo. Hoje há 30 mil pessoas aqui. Imagine na Premier League,” he said.
Juninho Paulista remains another symbol of the club’s ambition, having helped define a period when Middlesbrough attracted major international names. The report says he has promised to return if promotion is achieved, while Fabrizio Ravanelli has also expressed interest in a future role.
“Hoje é impossível ser treinador. Mas, se um dia surgir a possibilidade de ter uma função aqui no Middlesbrough, será bom para mim,” Ravanelli said.
Saturday’s fixture offers the current team a chance to create memories of its own. Karanka’s 2016 side is now part of club folklore; the next chapter will be written by whether Middlesbrough can turn nostalgia, pressure and ambition into another push for the Premier League.