Karanka and Pep: How they've changed

As Middlesbrough travel to Manchester City both Aitor Karanka and Pep Guardiola have noted the improved relationship between the pair since their days at Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

"Guardiola is showing how good he is"Tension that existed in Spain appears to have dissipated since both have come to ply their trade in the Premier League.

"We knew that the Premier League would improve after his arrival and he's showing how good he is," Karanka said about his opposite number at the pre-match press conference.

Guardiola was equally effusive in his praise.

"LaLiga will continue to exist without Guardiola""I saw Boro against Arsenal at the Emirates and I was impressed," he confessed.

The flattery between the two coaches is in stark contrast to the words used when the Catalan said his goodbye to Spanish football.

"LaLiga has existed before and will exist without Guardiola," Karanka said tersely in 2012.

"He has achieved great things and titles but he is history."

Pep's ironic response didn't go entirely unnoticed either.

"He hasn't lied but still, gestures of affection and recognition are appreciated," he remarked before his last appearance as coach of Barcelona.