Örebro SK sporting director Enes Ahmetovic has revealed the WhatsApp messages shared in a group with Middlesbrough’s coaches after the EFL’s decision to kick Southampton out of the Play Offs.
Varnamo Nyheter have an interview with the sporting director today as Middlesbrough prepare for the Play Off Final against Hull City.
Middlesbrough WhatsApp messages
Middlesbrough are back in the final after Southampton were kicked out of the competition over Spy Gate.
Kim Hellberg’s side then reported the Saints for spying on their training sessions ahead of the two sides meeting in the semi-finals of the Play Offs. Southampton went on to win the two-legged tie in the second leg.
They have now been punished by the EFL. The league removed Southampton from the competition and have deducted them four points for next season. Middlesbrough were reinstated to the final.
It’s been a whirlwind week for the North East club. And Ahmetovic has revealed what they’re saying behind the scenes.
“My reaction was very pleasing for Anes (Mravac), Kim (Hellberg), David (Selini) and the guys over there who have done a great job,” he said.
“I have seen Kim’s very emotional interview which I think he does top class. And what is tragic about it is that some people think that he is only like that in a situation where you have lost. But the truth about him is that he is the same when he wins.
“We have a group chat with David, Anes, Kim, Dusan Babic (goalkeeping coach Hammarby) and also physio in Örgryte (Philip Andersson). And in that group chat David just wrote: “From the rubbish tip in Värnamo to Wembley in just a year”.
Play Off Final prediction
He’ll now be watching alongside everyone else as Middlesbrough take on Hull on Saturday afternoon. And he has absolutely no idea how that game will turn out given the drama already.
“It will be a tough match. Small margins, a lot of nerves,” he added.
“They go in as favourites because they are a team that usually dominates matches. But in a match like that, it is the mental aspect that plays a big role.
“How has this affected Hull? How has this affected Middlesbrough? Hard to say. They go in as favourites. But the margins will be so small that it could be decided by someone slipping in a penalty area, for example. But I wish them well and will try to get there to watch it.”
💣 Acun Ilıcalı says Hull City shouldn’t have to play Middlesbrough
💬 “Our lawyers’ opinion is that we should go directly to Premier League”
💬 “We had been preparing for Southampton for 10 days. All the planning, analysis, and work was focused on them”https://t.co/wxHtUOeLOT— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) May 20, 2026
