Middlesbrough goalkeeping coach Leo Percovich reveals allegiance towards Aitor Karanka with 'AK'-branded top in defeat 

Middlesbrough goalkeeping coach Leo Percovich made his loyalties to Aitor Karanka clear in a public display of defiance following their 2-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic.

Karanka is on the brink of losing his job after falling out with his players and missed Sunday’s loss at The Valley with showdown talks looming this week.

But after the players had failed to justify the absence of the manager with a poor display, Percovich approached the away end to send out a message that he, like the fans, was backing Karanka.

Middlesbrough goalkeeping coach Leo Percovich wore a training top underneath his coat with the initials 'AK'

Percovich chose to show his allegiances towards Aitor Karanka, who is expected to be sacked as manager

Karanka is on the brink of losing his job after falling out with his players and missed the loss at The Valley

The charismatic coach headed away from the tunnel and towards the travelling support where he revealed an ‘AK’-branded top, gesturing towards the manager’s initials before offering a thumbs-up.

The move was met by huge cheers from the Boro fans, who held flags reading ‘Aitor forever’ and ‘Don’t leave’ while singing the absent boss’ name during the defeat.

The bubbling over of the dispute between players and manager has come at an awful time for a club chasing promotion from the Championship.

Boro have now fallen to consecutive defeats against teams inside the relegation zone - Rotherham and Charlton - and uncertainty surrounds their manager’s future.

Jorge Teixeira headed home the opening goal in the 57th minute of the Championship clash at The Valley

Charlton's gloom was lifted by Teixeira, who laid the foundations for a surprise victory against Boro

Karanka looks set to be sacked this week, while assistant Steve Agnew is taking temporary charge in his absence.

The Spanish boss has confided to friends that the club's former England winger Stewart Downing was not his signing and that he's finding it difficult to deal with the local hero and personal favourite of chairman Steve Gibson.

Karanka walked out from Boro’s training ground on Friday following an argument at a team meeting that disrupted preparations for the Charlton game.

Percovich was brought to the North East by Karanka shortly after he became manager in 2013.

The pair met when Karanka, as a player, signed for Percovich-coached Colorado Rapids in 2006. The Uruguayan has also worked at Real Madrid. 

The goalkeeping coach was brought to the North East by Karanka shortly after he became manager in 2013

Middlesbrough assistant Steve Agnewtoo charge of the game at The Valley as Boro lost ground at the top