Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has pinpointed his team's weakness against counter-attacks as a key issue to solve. His comments come ahead of Saturday's Championship fixture against a West Bromwich Albion side that has started the season strongly.
Middlesbrough currently sit 11th in the Championship table with three points from their opening two matches, having scored and conceded three goals. They are three points behind early leaders Millwall. The immediate focus, however, is on defensive organisation after consecutive opponents exploited the same tactical approach.
What is Middlesbrough's tactical problem?
Tony Mowbray's Blackburn Rovers set the blueprint last weekend by willingly ceding possession and hitting Boro on the break. This strategy led to a defeat for Hellberg's side, who were guilty of leaving themselves open in transition. In midweek, Grant McCann's Doncaster Rovers replicated the tactic in the EFL Cup, causing further problems. Hellberg acknowledged the pattern, stating a need for greater comfort in defensive roles. "It's a combination of being more comfortable in our roles, patterns, playing and more comfortable in how you work in your positions to stop them (breaks) from happening," he said.
How is the squad shaping up for the season?
The club undertook extensive summer recruitment ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, and a transitional period was always expected. One positive is the depth of attacking options compared to many second-tier rivals. Attack-minded midfielder Rokas Pukštas has joined the group, while striker Tommy Conway is nearing a return from an injury that has kept him out so far. The club is also reportedly seeking another wing option before the transfer deadline, with names like Amario Cozier-Duberry and Jack Clarke linked. Fans can track the evolving squad throughout the season.
What went wrong against Doncaster?
Hellberg pointed to self-inflicted errors in the cup tie. "If you look at the first minutes against Doncaster, we handed them the ball and then it's always going to be difficult; you cannot prepare for that," the manager explained. This reinforced the lesson that solidity must start from the initial moments of a match, regardless of the opponent's league status. The need for sharper concentration is clear from the team's current stats, which show a neutral goal difference.
What challenge does West Brom present?
Saturday brings a visit from West Bromwich Albion, managed by former Middlesbrough player James Morrison. It marks the second successive Saturday Boro have faced a team led by an ex-player. Albion have posted breakaway threats themselves during an impressive start to the new campaign, making them a specific test of the issue Hellberg has highlighted. The match is a key opportunity to show lessons have been learned before attention turns to the next fixture, an away trip to face Burnley on September 2nd.
Middlesbrough's immediate future hinges on tightening up defensively. The upcoming match against a direct rival like West Brom, followed by a game against 18th-placed Burnley, offers a chance to build momentum. Supporters can follow the team's progress in the standings as Hellberg works to solidify his new-look side.
