Kim Hellberg has officially taken over as the head coach of Middlesbrough, making it clear during his inaugural press conference that his primary goal is to secure promotion to the Premier League. Hellberg emphasized, “That’s clear,” although he noted that it remains to be seen whether this achievement will come this season or the next. Middlesbrough currently sits third in the Championship, with a realistic prospect of reaching the playoffs, especially after finishing in tenth place last season under former coach Michael Carrick.
Hellberg replaces Rob Edwards, who briefly managed the club before departing for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 37-year-old coach previously led Hammarby to consecutive second-place finishes in the Swedish Allsvenskan, highlighting his credentials as he steps into this new role at the Riverside Stadium.
High-Energy Philosophy and Tactical Inspirations
In discussing his coaching philosophy, Hellberg referenced notable figures such as Marcelo Bielsa and Roberto De Zerbi. He described his desire for Middlesbrough to adopt an aggressive style of play characterized by high pressing and attacking football. “It’s clear when I arrive here, it is to take Middlesbrough to the Premier League,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to the club’s ambitions.
Hellberg’s first appearance as head coach was met with enthusiasm from supporters, though it came after a challenging 4-2 defeat to Coventry. His first competitive match in charge will be against Derby County this coming Saturday, where he hopes to showcase the tactical changes he plans to implement.
“I saw a lot of coaches that’ve been in England,” he said, highlighting his admiration for coaches who have made a significant impact in the Premier League. He aims to instill a style of play that combines possession with purpose, likening his approach to the musical term “staccato,” where the rhythm shifts between slow and fast, creating an engaging tempo.
Building a Competitive Squad
Hellberg’s transition to Middlesbrough was influenced by his discussions with Kieran Scott, the club’s head of football, and owner-chairman Steve Gibson. He remarked that the synergy between his vision and the club’s direction played a pivotal role in his decision to join. Accompanying him will be his long-term assistant, David Selini, as well as retaining Adi Viveash, who served as Edwards’ first-team coach.
The Championship remains highly competitive, with only six points separating second place from fifteenth. Hellberg remains optimistic about his squad’s potential, stating, “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.”
As Middlesbrough aims to build on its current standing, Hellberg’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the Championship and pushing for a coveted place in the Premier League. The upcoming matches will undoubtedly be a test of his tactical acumen and ability to motivate his players as they strive to achieve their goals this season.
