In a bold move to secure promotion, Kim Hellberg has been appointed as the new head coach of Middlesbrough. In his inaugural press conference, Hellberg expressed his clear ambition to elevate the club to the Premier League, saying, “That’s clear.” He acknowledged the potential timelines for achieving this goal, stating, “if it’s this year or next year,” but emphasized that a playoff position is within reach as Middlesbrough currently sits third in the Championship following 17 matches.
Previously, the club finished tenth last season under Michael Carrick, who was succeeded by Rob Edwards for a brief period before his departure to Wolverhampton Wanderers three weeks ago. Hellberg joins Middlesbrough after a successful tenure at Hammarby in Sweden, where he led the team to consecutive second-place finishes in the Allsvenskan.
High Aspirations and a Dynamic Style
Hellberg is known for his high-energy, attacking style of football. He cited influences from renowned coaches such as Marcelo Bielsa and Roberto De Zerbi during his first address to the media, indicating his intent to implement aggressive and high-pressing tactics at the Riverside Stadium. “It is of course an opportunity, when you’re in this position we are, to aim for it and to work as hard as possible to get into a spot that takes you to the Premier League,” he stated.
During the press conference, Hellberg shared his vision for the team, stating, “I love keeping the ball, but it has to be a purpose of taking the ball forward to strike.” He described his preferred approach as a mix of controlled play that transitions into rapid attacks, using the term “staccato” to illustrate this rhythm. “Football changes; there’s no structure that gives you success. You need to adapt,” he added, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in coaching.
Making Connections and Building a Team
Hellberg’s decision to join Middlesbrough was influenced by his initial discussions with the club’s head of football, Kieran Scott, and owner-chairman Steve Gibson. He remarked, “When I talked to Kieran, I felt the energy fit perfectly with my energy.” Accompanying him will be his long-term assistant, David Selini, along with Adi Viveash, who served as Edwards’ first-team coach.
Looking ahead, Hellberg is eager for his first match against Derby County on Saturday, following a challenging debut against Coventry, where Middlesbrough suffered a 4-2 defeat. He is optimistic about the squad’s potential, noting, “I think we’re in a good position, we’re a good squad and we’ve a lot of good players. I think that we can do very good things.”
With only six points separating the teams from second to fifteenth in the Championship, Hellberg understands the competitive nature of the league. He believes that many teams will aspire for the playoffs, but he is confident that Middlesbrough is well-equipped to contend for a top-six finish.
As the season progresses, Hellberg’s ambitious vision and dynamic coaching style will be put to the test as he seeks to transform Middlesbrough’s fortunes and lead them back to the top tier of English football.