Middlesbrough in 'contact' with potential Kim Hellberg replacement - "He’d be a great appointment" | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit has given his verdict on Filipe Luís becoming the club's next manager

Middlesbrough are in contention for promotion to the Premier League as the final games of the regular campaign approach.

The Teesside outfit haven’t competed in the top flight since 2017, and have spent much of this season inside the top two.

However, recent form has seen them drop into the play-off places, with the team now three points adrift of second place Ipswich Town, who also have a game in hand.

Kim Hellberg was appointed as head coach in November following Rob Edwards’ sudden departure to Wolves.

Edwards had only arrived in the summer in place of Michael Carrick, but he jumped at the chance to go back to his former club as their new head coach.

Hellberg has earned a lot of plaudits for his work at the Riverside after joining from Hammarby, but it remains to be seen whether he can earn promotion from the Championship at Middlesbrough.

Filipe Luís would be a welcome option if Kim Hellberg left

Despite Hellberg’s role in pushing Middlesbrough into promotion contention, it has been reported by Sport Witness that the club have made contact with Filipe Luís regarding a potential move to the Riverside.

The 40-year-old was previously in charge at Brazilian team Flamengo, where he won five trophies before departing in December of last year following a falling out with the board.

When asked about his potential appointment, FLW’s Middlesbrough fan pundit claimed that he’d be open to Filipe Luís taking over if Hellberg did depart.

But he believes that the Swede is the man to bring the club forward, and that he’d only expect him to leave if he was poached by a Premier League side, or an equivalent.

“If Kim Hellberg ever were to leave, then I think he’d be a great appointment to make, to be honest,” Day told Football League World.

“I can’t say I’ve ever watched Brazilian football, but I do know he did very well over there, he won a lot of trophies and that’s what you want at your club, a winner.

“I know he’s fresh in his managerial career, but Boro have done that in the past with Michael Carrick, and it definitely made an impact.

“He set the club in the right direction, and I think Hellberg, while still young, has got some experience but never at the top level like Filipe Luís does.

“Obviously, as a footballer as well, he played at a very high level with Atletico Madrid, so it’s definitely one, if Hellberg ever were to leave, that we should be interested in, I believe.

“But, you know, I hope Hellberg is here for the long-term, and I think the only way he does end up leaving is if a club comes and poaches him.

“I do think he deserves a higher move, if it ever were to come, but hopefully he comes to the Premier League with us, and it doesn't come to Filipe Luís being in charge, if I’m honest.”

Hellberg has overseen 13 wins from 28 games in charge at Middlesbrough since arriving in November.

The Teesside outfit were third in the table, with 30 points from 17 games, when he arrived, and they are now fifth with 76 from 44.

Meanwhile, Filipe Luís won the Copa do Brasil in 2024, as well as a quadruple of the Supercopa, Copa Libertadores, Série A and the Campeonato Carioca in 2025.

Filipe Luís would be a promising option for Middlesbrough

If Middlesbrough are considering a change in coach, or if they’re just lining up alternatives in case Hellberg leaves, then Filipe Luís could be a strong contender to take over.

His record in Brazil is quite impressive, and he knows what to expect from European football from his time in the continent as a player at the likes of Atletico Madrid and Chelsea.

It would be a gamble to bring in someone who hasn’t worked in Europe before as a coach, but it might be one worth taking, should the opportunity present itself.

However, Hellberg is doing well with Middlesbrough, and it would be quite harsh if the club opted for a change in the dugout in the summer if the team misses out on promotion.