Kim Hellberg has defended Middlesbrough's bold attacking style by pointing to their status as the Championship's most creative team. The Boro boss made the claim as his side, sitting third in the table with 14 points, prepare for their final match before the international break at Birmingham City on Saturday.
His team have scored 14 goals this season, a tally that puts them joint-top of the division. But they have also let in 10, a record that has prompted questions about defensive vulnerability. Hellberg's response is to focus on the numbers at the other end of the pitch.
"We see narratives being formed," Hellberg said. "But I look at the numbers and I see that we're the team that's created the most chances in the league, together with West Ham."
Resilience from losing positions
That attacking intent has been matched by a notable resilience. Middlesbrough have already recovered seven points from losing positions this term. That trait was on full display last Tuesday in a dramatic 4-3 win over Norwich City, where they fought back after conceding inside a minute.
It was evident again last weekend at the Riverside Stadium. They trailed Millwall 2-0 before Amario Cozier-Duberry and Will Lankshear struck to salvage a 2-2 draw. Lankshear's effort was his sixth of the campaign, making him the club's top scorer.
Hellberg acknowledged the defensive issues, identifying transitions and balls played over the top as particular problems. He noted his team rank around fifth or sixth for chances conceded, but argued the overall balance is positive given their offensive output.
The Birmingham challenge
The immediate task is to tighten up while maintaining that threat away at St Andrew's. Birmingham, under new management themselves, will provide a stern test. Middlesbrough won the last meeting between the sides 3-1 at St Andrew's back in March, a result they will hope to repeat to cement their strong early standing.
With one game to go before the pause, Boro are firmly in the promotion conversation. Their recent form reads two wins, two draws and one loss from the last five. A positive result in the Second City would send them into the break in a powerful position. The full schedule leading into the autumn is available on our fixtures list.
Hellberg's message is clear: the team will stick to their principles. The aim at Birmingham is to add three more points to their total and prove that an adventurous approach can yield consistent success over a long season. They travel with a squad looking to build on a start that has seen them lose just once in seven league outings.
More detail at Teesside Live
