Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka admits he cannot understand the criticism West Brom counterpart Tony Pulis attracts given his track record, reports Sky Sports.
The two men meet on Sunday at the Hawthorns with Boro hoping to emulate what the Baggies have done in recent seasons and establish themselves as a fixture in the top flight.
Pulis had his detractors during his long spell in charge at Stoke but Karanka holds him in the highest regard saying: "You look at his numbers. Since the first day I met him, he has shown me he is a gentleman and his job is there.
"He has never been relegated in I don't know how many games in the Premier League, so for that reason, he has all my respect and I wish him all the best - after the game on Sunday."