Kim Hellberg’s verdict after Middlesbrough’s 3-1 victory over Birmingham City
Kim Hellberg, head coach of Middlesbrough(Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
Kim Hellberg was delighted his tactical surprise paid off, as Middlesbrough recorded a big 3-1 victory away at Birmingham City.
Hellberg made two changes for the game and also switched to a back three for the trip to St Andrew’s. The changes certainly paid off.
Switched to wing-back for the game, Matt Targett scored twice in the first half for Boro. And then, after Marvin Ducksch had halved the deficit early in the second half, David Strelec scored a vital Boro third on his return to the starting lineup.
Set up largely to deal with Birmingham’s two big strikers, Hellberg explained: “Offensively, the players were really in similar positions to where they have been playing. The big difference was the defensive shape, in terms of how we defended.
“Of course, it also means that offensively, Matt and Britts can be a bit more aggressive in terms of their positions with three centre-backs covering. Sometimes, you get those things right, sometimes wrong.
“Of course, to think that Matt was going to score two goals from that position, that was not really in the plans. But sometimes what actually happens is better than plans, and he did brilliantly.
“He deserved it. It was exactly how we wanted to press them, and I think that just shows how connected the squad are with different gameplans and different ways of playing.
“It doesn’t always have to be with the ball – we can also be very good off the ball and the high-pressing was good to see.”
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Boro became just the second away team to win a league game at St Andrew’s in Chris Davies’ two seasons in charge of the Blues. It felt like a huge win for Boro, having been winless in three heading in, and having watched their promotion rivals all win over the weekend.
“Birmingham had only had one loss in two years at this stadium, and had a Premier League team here three weeks ago [Leeds in the FA Cup] and drew,” Hellberg added.
“They are a very good team. So the way we handled this type of game, except maybe the first ten minutes in each half, feels brilliant. It was fun to see our pressing being as good as it was.
“I think that was the key to the win today. We have been playing very well with the ball, but today I think the high pressing was the key thing.”
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