What Kim Hellberg said after Middlesbrough's win v Charlton has got Boro fans reacting | OneFootball

The Swede's 100 percent winning start at the Riverside Stadium continued on Tuesday

Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg revealed how proud he was of his players as they continued his perfect start to life in charge of the North East club against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night.

It has been a dramatic first four months of the campaign for Boro, who started the Championship season as one of the division's early front-runners alongside Coventry City under the management of Rob Edwards, who was appointed as Michael Carrick's initial successor in June.

Of course, it has been well-documented that the 42-year-old lasted just under five months in charge at the Riverside Stadium before he was stood down by chairman, Steve Gibson ahead of a move to the Premier League's bottom club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, which sparked a mass outbreak of controversy from within the footballing world, as well as outrage from those on Teesside.

After his signature was courted by Middlesbrough's divisional rivals, Swansea City, last month, Gibson then stepped in and ended a complicated managerial search with the appointment of Hellberg from Swedish Allsvenskan runners-up, Hammarby IF, who he had managed since 2024 after current Leicester City boss, Marti Cifuentes, first departed for Queens Park Rangers.

It was a decision which also proved to be the first time in 98 years that Middlesbrough have sourced their latest manager or head coach whilst they were employed by another English or European-based club, but one which they clearly have no regrets about thus far.

Indeed, Hellberg oversaw a dramatic comeback victory against Derby County in his first game in charge on November 29th before his new employers ran riot in the first half against Hull City as they achieved a 4-1 success at the MKM Stadium.

And, after a 2-1 victory against an out-of-form Charlton side courtesy of Riley McGree and Morgan Whittaker's latest goals, Hellberg is continuing to endear himself to supporters ahead of the crucial festive period.

What Kim Hellberg said after Middlesbrough's win at Charlton Athletic has got Boro supporters reacting

It has been an intense introduction to management in the Championship for the 37-year-old whose appointment was made official on November 24th ahead of a 4-2 defeat against the aforementioned league-leading Sky Blues in what was Adi Viveash's final game in interim charge.

After just over a week's worth of training and matches, Hellberg has already instilled a sense of defiance, belief and relentlessness within his players, and he spoke about the pride which he has already felt as they continue to take his messages on board.

"A good 10 days," said Hellberg. "(I'm) very proud of the performance from the boys.

"I think the first half was brilliant. To play this tough away game, two in a row, and to control in that way and create a lot of opportunities.

"We were close to getting some of those big chances with some crosses that we are nearly at. I think we defended really, really good," he added.

"Second half, it doesn't happen that much. I think we kill the game off a bit, then they get that transition and the goal.

"Against their home fans, it becomes loud. But, we defended well. I can't remember that many chances (for Charlton) but, of course, the volume gets up a little bit.

"Again, we defended really, really good," Hellberg stated.

Unsurprisingly, Middlesbrough fans are already building a connection with the 37-year-old, with one supporter loving his post-match verdict.

Another stated that it makes a pleasant change from their past two managers.

One delighted Boro fan believes that it is obvious why Hellberg was previously in-demand due to his knowledge of the game.

Another has already given Hellberg the title of "genius".

Middlesbrough are aiming for the stars under Kim Hellberg amid perfect start

Hellberg has already made a handful of noticeable tactical tweaks that have given Middlesbrough a high level of control away from home, which is a testament to his tactical vision.

As such, the club who have been exiled away from the Premier League since 2017, are starting to fully dream of a return under his management as they secured their place in the automatic promotion places for yet another round of matches whilst also narrowing the gap on Coventry, who drew 1-1 with Preston North End at Deepdale.

There are only five points between the two sides at present, and Middlesbrough could go within a win of Frank Lampard's side should results fall their way over the weekend, as they host QPR on Saturday afternoon.