Kim Hellberg sends clear pre-season message to Middlesbrough F.C. squad after last season’s problems

Middlesbrough F.C. manager Kim Hellberg has made it clear his squad will face a demanding pre-season as preparations begin for the new Championship campaign.

The players return to Rockliffe this week, with Hellberg focused on improving both fitness levels and tactical understanding ahead of their opening fixture against Lincoln City F.C. in August.

The Boro boss admitted last season exposed issues with stamina and intensity, especially late in matches, and he wants to use the coming weeks to address that.

Hellberg explained that pre-season will involve hard work both on the pitch and in tactical sessions, as he looks to fully implement his style of play after only making limited adjustments when he arrived during the season.

One of the key aims will be making the squad stronger physically so they can maintain a high level of energy for the full 90 minutes — something that proved costly in key matches last term.

Middlesbrough are also expected to remain active in the transfer market, with several players having already departed and uncertainty still surrounding the futures of Dael Fry and Hayden Hackney.