Kim Hellberg, the new head coach of Middlesbrough, has emphasized that he won’t drastically alter the team’s playing style as he begins his tenure, with the goal of leading the club to the Premier League.
Hellberg is gearing up for his first match on Saturday against Derby County at Riverside Stadium (15:00 GMT) after being appointed earlier this week as Rob Edwards’ successor.
As he takes over, Boro sits third in the Championship, trailing leaders Coventry by 10 points and second-placed Stoke City only on goal difference.
“The clear aim is to reach the Premier League,” Hellberg stated during his inaugural press conference. “It’s hard to say whether it will be this year or next, but we have the opportunity and we must work as hard as possible to secure that promotion. It’s nothing to shy away from.”
Adi Viveash has been at the helm temporarily, following Edwards’ move to Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers just 14 matches into the season.
Under Viveash, Boro garnered four points from a win and a draw but succumbed to a home defeat against Coventry on Tuesday, a match that Hellberg attended.
“It’s a competitive league, and the season will be long and tough,” Hellberg acknowledged after being introduced to Boro fans before Tuesday’s game. “Coming in mid-season is tricky, considering I’ve had only two training sessions before the Derby match. I aim to make some changes, but finding the right balance will be crucial.”
Middlesbrough assistant head coach David Selini also worked with Kim Hellberg at Hammarby [Middlesbrough FC / Tom Banks]
Playing ‘Aggressive’ Football Inspired by Music
Hellberg aspires to implement the attacking style he is known for from his previous role at Hammarby in Sweden.
“I want to play aggressive, high-pressing football, winning the ball back as quickly as possible when we don’t have it,” he stated. “Controlling possession is key, with a focus on moving the ball forward.
“We often discuss ‘staccato’ in relation to Italian music – it’s about varying the tempo. Sometimes we play slowly, but then shift to a rapid pace, something I truly enjoy.”
At 37, Hellberg is one of the youngest managers in the Championship, alongside Swansea’s Vitor Matos, trailing only 34-year-old Ryan Mason of West Brom.
Making the jump from Swedish football to a Championship promotion push in the middle of the season is significant, but Hellberg feels confident thanks to his 14 years of coaching experience.
Learning from his father, Stefan, who has over 25 years of coaching experience in Sweden, Hellberg mentioned, “It’s a dream to coach in England, and I’m ready for this challenge. Growing up with a father passionate about football instilled in me a strong work ethic.”
Kim Hellberg fondly remembers watching Middlesbrough’s 8-1 victory over Manchester City in 2008 [Getty Images]
Nostalgia for the 8-1 Victory and Afonso Alves
Boro fans will be pleased to hear that Hellberg looks up to influential coaches like Marcelo Bielsa and Roberto de Zerbi, but he also has personal memories tied to the club.
“I’ve loved English football since I was a child and followed Middlesbrough since I was about five or six,” he shared. “I vividly remember the 8-1 match against Manchester City when Afonso Alves scored. It was a remarkable game when Sven-Goran Eriksson was managing City.”
Hellberg acknowledges the challenge ahead as he prepares for his first match against Derby but is filled with excitement. “I felt a thrill on Tuesday evening; the fans’ reception was incredible,” he remarked. “Everyone I’ve spoken to has described the team as hard-working. I’m not asking them to make every shot count; I just want their best effort.”
Following the Derby encounter, Middlesbrough will face Hull City and Charlton Athletic before hosting Queens Park Rangers on December 13.