When it was first reported in Sweden that Kim Hellberg was on his way to Middlesbrough, the widespread assumption was that David Selini would follow him.
The 31-year-old had been Hellberg’s assistant at both Hammarby and IFK Värnamo, and it’s clear some in Swedish football see them as a double-act.
Hellberg is getting a lot of praise and backing in his home country at the moment, with Hammarby’s captain Nahir Besara, who is also a close friend, wishing him well yesterday.
Middlesbrough coaches see as a pair
Now it’s Ajdin Zeljkovic’s turn.
The winger played for Hellberg and Selini at IFK Värnamo, and already knew they were going places. He may not have expected it to all happen this quickly, though.
Sweden’s Fotbolldirekt contacted Zeljkovic to get his opinion on the move to Middlesbrough and how things will go.
In response, he’s quoted as saying: “So, I don’t know if I saw it coming exactly like this. But during the time they were in Värnamo, I realised pretty quickly that they are two really good coaches. I think their results speak for themselves, but also the way they have made Värnamo and Hammarby play football.
“They have earned this journey and where they have come. Then I think they can take further steps from there. I think they can go far. Now they have gone to Middlesbrough and they are second in the Championship. If they do well there, the Premier League or the big leagues are not far away. It will be interesting to follow.”
Zeljkovic’s comments make it clear he sees the coaches as a pair working together. It’ll be interesting to see how that unfolds at Middlesbrough.
