Kim Hellberg’s verdict following Middlesbrough’s 4-0 win over Southampton

Kim Hellberg complimented his Middlesbrough players for their determination throughout a difficult moment, as they broke their four-match winless streak with a 4-0 victory over Southampton.

After a difficult first half in which they struggled to produce while also coming under late pressure from a Saints team with plenty of individual talent, Boro stepped up dramatically in an outstanding second half.

Boro reversed a four-game winless streak and four-match goal drought with goals from Morgan Whittaker (2), Sammy Silvera, and Alan Browne, propelling them back to second place in the Championship table.

Hellberg said, “I’m overjoyed. I believe this is the first time the other side has generated slightly more in the first half than we have. So, today, we had some shot-blocking abilities that kept the game scoreless in the first half.

“And then I believe the second half was just a fantastic performance by everyone. I believe that how we performed and the willingness to go out and do it after the outcomes we’ve had are extremely good.

“So, overall, a well-deserved victory.” We’re doing well after 90 minutes, and the second half is really fantastic. I didn’t speak much throughout the intermission.

“We made a few minor changes, as we always do, but I believe this victory is more about the players’ characteristics. How they work, how I have watched them work on the training field, how they have lifted each other, and how they have remained optimistic throughout what I believe has been an incredible period of playing so well in those games and not receiving any points.

“I believe it’s been unbelievable. To keep going, keep the energy up; the players have been fantastic. And then to perform in the second half, following the conflict in the first half.

“This was a statement from the group stating that they are doing everything they can for the shirt. They are incredible to work with, and I am so proud of and thrilled for them.”

After ending the four-game goalless streak, Hellberg went on to compliment the players for sticking to their principles and believing in him and what he was asking of them.

“That’s everything,” he remarked when asked about sticking to values. “If I started doing anything different in terms of how I want to play, that’s not how I want to play, and I don’t think the players would like it either.

“We are an offensive football team, and I’ve enjoyed watching us play football. I watched the eight games, and I was upset with the first half versus Derby, but after two sessions, it became more of a fight, and the players sold the victory.

“I was a little upset in the second half against Blackburn, but then I saw the total performance and thought, “S***, this is an incredible squad to watch.” How they play, how they generate opportunities, and how they work is remarkable.

“But I understand this is a results-driven business; you must win games. We looked at the stats, and they were spectacular. I believe they have been at the top of the league in terms of creating opportunities, having moved from a lower position to a higher one.

“Football is like that; sometimes you don’t get the goals, but you have to keep to your principles, and I believe that’s what we witnessed today. How a team of players keeps fighting, playing, and being brave.

“It would be simple to sit back and investigate other solutions. But that is not us, and it is not how we want to do things. “I think the second half was an unbelievable performance.”