Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson denies player power cost Aitor Karanka his job.
Karanka was involved in a training ground bust-up with Stewart Downing in the week prior to his departure.
But Gibson rejected suggestions that had any part in Karanka's departure.
Gibson added: "No I wouldn't speak to any of the players, that's the job of the coach.
"I wouldn't judge the first-team coach or manager on the relationship with one player, and I wouldn't undermine authority of the first-team coach."