Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has insisted he “felt compelled” to take the job when it was offered to him.
Fotboll Skanalen cover comments from him made in an interview with Fotbollsmorgon. He, obviously, discussed all things Middlesbrough.
Hellberg was named as their new coach at the end of November after Rob Jones left to take charge at Wolves.
The Swedish boss was quickly targeted but found himself speaking to several sides in the Championship at once thanks to his work with Hammarby. He had impressed their since January 2024, leading them to consecutive second place finishes in the Allsvenskan.
That led to plenty of interest and, eventually, his appointment at Middlesbrough. Hammarby put up a fight, though, offering a new and improved contract for Hellberg to stay.
He instead made the move to England, where reports have made it clear he’s earning significantly more than in Sweden. Indeed, some have accused him of jumping simply for the money, a claim he rejects.
In fact, he wants it on the record that it wasn’t money, which was the motivator. Rather the size of the opportunity being presented by a club like Middlesbrough.
“From my role, this opportunity is so gigantic at such a big club,” he said.
“I am the second non-English manager at Middlesbrough ever. I can hardly think of a Swedish manager who would get the opportunity to coach in England in the situation I am in.
“A club that has been stable in being top ten, top twelve, in this league, which means that you have a great chance of ending up in the best league in the world if you succeed. That opportunity is so big that I felt compelled to take it.”
