Kim Hellberg’s verdict after Middlesbrough drew 1-1 thanks to a late Bristol City equaliser
Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg applauds the fans(Image: Getty Images)
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg launched a strong defence of his ‘unbelievable’ side, despite the frustration of a fourth straight home game without a win.
In another game where Boro are ultimately left ruing big chances that have not been taken, they were punished as Adam Randell headed home a corner in the 96th minute to cancel out Leo Castledine’s goal.
Another two points dropped by Boro at home, it comes at a time, with just eight games remaining now, where Boro need results above all else. While there was plenty of possession again, and enough clear-cut chances to have won clearly, they didn’t. And while that will undoubtedly frustrate supporters, Hellberg’s outlook was a lot more positive.
Asked if he was devastated to have conceded the late goal, the Boro boss said: “Devastated? No. I’m happy about the performance. I think it was an unbelievable performance again. Unbelievable performance from the players.
“How we play, how we act, how we create chances, top performance again. Of course, it’s tough if you don’t kill the game off. There could always be an opportunity, for a team that had their first chance maybe in the 85th minute, to score. And that was disappointing.
“But again, the performance, you’re looking at a team that played very good football. It hurts. Of course, it hurts. But again, in my role, I think you need to look more at the performance, and look at the things we’re doing well.
“In the way we play, I think that’s the important thing to talk about. I know everyone, because the result is 1-1, will be disappointed, of course. But it’s a team we haven’t beaten in a long time.
“The way we played, the chances we created, playing bravely, I think it’s just very impressive. I think it’s more strong for me to tell you that when we haven’t got the result we want, because it’s easier just to say things, and say things when you’re winning, but I think we are a hell of a good football team, and the way we play I’m so impressed by it.”
If there’s one frustration at his side’s performance, it’s yet again that they didn’t score the goals to kill the game off. Castledine came off the bench to score a stunner – his first in a Boro shirt.
But the finishing of his team-mates left a lot to be desired again, as Tommy Conway and David Strelec missed golden opportunities, while Alan Browne squandered two.
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“Of course this game has to be killed off,” Hellberg said. “You’re looking at the team in English football that is by far creating the most chances if you look at all the statistics and metrics.
“I think again that’s why I think my message is positive. There will be a lot of people that think that’s weird to say when we draw, and when we lost the game before, but I think you’re looking at an amazing football team that creates so many chances.
“This should be four or five nil. They are two teams with completely different qualities on the pitch. In the last four home games, we haven’t done enough, but over a period of 13 games I think we have lost two, drawn three and won the rest.
“So, it is a good spell. I am proud of the players and the way we are playing. I am very proud of how we play football.”
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