Kim Hellberg says he is looking forward to Middlesbrough’s return to the Riverside on Saturday, with the head coach keen to see the home crowd create another strong atmosphere against Norwich. After a spell that has taken Middlesbrough through five away games in six matches, this is a timely shift back to familiar surroundings.
It is also the start of a demanding stretch. Middlesbrough have a third game in a week on the horizon and, after Saturday, they face three matches in eight days, including two at home and a trip to Birmingham City. For Hellberg, that makes the Norwich fixture feel like more than just another Championship date.
Hellberg wants the Riverside behind Middlesbrough
Hellberg was clear about what he wants from the home support. He said Norwich are “a very good side” and recalled last season’s meeting in Teesside, when Hayden Hackney scored and Middlesbrough went joint top of the Championship table. He also described the final minutes of that game as “absolutely crazy” and said the atmosphere was brilliant.
That is the backdrop to this weekend’s return. Hellberg said the atmosphere in Middlesbrough’s home games has already been very good and added that he is looking forward to being back against “a very good side”. He wants the supporters on his side and doing everything they can to help the team over the line.
Norwich and Philippe Clement will bring a different test
Hellberg was equally respectful of the opposition. Norwich have started to pick up wins after a shaky opening, and he pointed to Philippe Clement as a major reason for that shift. In his view, Clement “has done a brilliant job”, building a strong and well-coached team after arriving last year when Norwich were in danger.
That matters because Hellberg expects a proper football match rather than a one-sided contest. He called it “a very good football game” between two good teams and said the Saturday kick-off makes it feel like an ideal occasion. Middlesbrough will have to match Norwich’s organisation as well as their momentum.
Will Lankshear settling in quickly
There was also a positive note for Middlesbrough in Hellberg’s comments on Will Lankshear. The 21-year-old arrived from Tottenham this summer and, despite missing out on the Championship Player of the Month award on Friday, has already made a strong impression.
Hellberg said Lankshear has done brilliantly, praised his work on and off the pitch, and said he has fitted into the team perfectly. He also highlighted the culture Middlesbrough are trying to build, with players competing in a healthy way to help the club win games. Lankshear has scored seven goals in eight games, which is exactly the kind of return that gives a team confidence during a busy spell.
After Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough now need to reset quickly. A home game against Norwich offers that chance, but it also brings a strong test of control, energy and mentality at the start of a packed run of fixtures.
