Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has reached out in support of embattled Chelsea boss and good friend Jose Mourinho.

Karanka spent three years working as Mourinho's assistant during his time at Real Madrid, and the Boro boss took the time to call his former colleague following Chelsea's loss to West Ham on Saturday.

"He's [Mourinho] not good because he's a winner and when he's not winning, he's not good. But I think his friends have to be here to support him," Karanka said ahead of Middlesbrough's League Cup clash with Manchester United.

"When he was winning trophies, the Champions League and the league, everybody was saying how good he is. Now his friends are the people who have to say he's the best and is going to keep on being the best.

"I'm sure with his knowledge and players and staff he will be successful really soon.

"He's the best and the strongest and I'm sure he will be successful again. All the focus is on him now and you have to learn every single day and keep going.

"He has very good staff and very good players and I'm sure the group will help him a lot. I want to wish him all the best."