Aitor Karanka insists table-topping Boro won’t find it tough at the Championship's summit.
Boro clawed from behind at Birmingham in midweek to draw 1-1 and nudge one point clear of rivals Bournemouth and Derby .
“I don’t think that puts us under any extra pressure,” said Karanka.
“The pressure came on Wednesday at Birmingham and at Blackpool the week before. The pressure is getting to the top position.
“All the players have worked very hard for six or seven months to get to first position - now we have to defend it.
“Now we have to be confident and play the way we can and make sure we stay here. But it is only February and there is a long way to go in the season.”
Boro kick off in their televised tussle with Leeds tomorrow and could open a four point gap before their rivals play.
“I am not thinking about that,” Karanka said.
“The other teams play after us and we can take a lead but that is not in our thinking. We have to just go out and play in our won style and forget all the other teams.”
Leeds are one of the few Championship teams that Karanka has yet to beat with a draw and two defeats in his previous meetings.
Earlier this season Boro felt aggrieved as what looked a good goal by Albert Adomah was ruled out but Karanka says a quest for revenge will not be a factor.
“We were a bit unlucky at Elland Road,” Karanka said.
“There was a goal disallowed for Albert and then they scored very late on.
“But that is in the past now and we are not thinking of that.
“Revenge is not the incentive for us - the three points from winning is the incentive.
“We know it will be difficult because Leeds are a team in good form and it is a derby game too and there will be a big atmosphere.
“But we have to forget all that and play our game and try to win.”
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