Kim Hellberg knows he will have a story to tell whatever happens to Middlesbrough at Wembley on Saturday. The 38-year-old Swede, appointed head coach at the Riverside Stadium in November, will lead his side into the Sky Bet Championship play-off final against Hull City at the end of a campaign that has been nothing short of an experience.
Roller Coaster Season
Boro will attempt to secure their place in next season's Premier League amid the backdrop of the 'Spygate' scandal, which cost Southampton their chance and rekindled the Teessiders' hopes when they thought they were gone. Reflecting on his first season in English football, Hellberg said: 'No, no. That sums it up quite well, to be fair. It's been ups and downs and a roller coaster, and a welcome to England that's been special. They told me I have some chapters in my book about this year to write later on.'
Refocusing the Squad
Boro's reinstatement has left Hellberg with the task of refocusing players still dealing with the disappointment of their semi-final defeat by Southampton for the clash with Hull, who have also suffered disruption due to the disciplinary proceedings. The Tigers were preparing to face Southampton but have now had to start all over again, although they go into the final on the back of a three-game unbeaten run, including two victories. Meanwhile, the Teessiders, who finished the regular season seven points better off, are without a win in three games.
Wembley Record
It will be Boro's sixth visit to Wembley, but the fact that they have won on none of their previous five does not concern Hellberg unduly. He said: 'I didn't know that statistic. We will go there and try to win the game, and that's what we're doing. They absolutely have some top, top quality players all over the pitch that have good quality, so I think it will be a good football game and I'm looking forward to playing against them.'
Personal Touches
In the midst of the furore surrounding Southampton's spying charges, Hellberg, who revealed he will wear a tracksuit on the sideline because he would 'look very stiff in a suit', took his son home to Sweden to watch former club Hammarby and enjoy a beer. Asked if he would enjoy a few more on Saturday evening regardless of the result, he said: 'It's a difficult thing in football. You try always to think of the next game, what you can do better, how you can work, how you can find tactics, small movements, all those things. You sometimes forget to try to understand how big it is, and how to enjoy the moment, so I will try to enjoy it at least one minute before the kick-off, and then we'll see how many beers there are after the game.'
