Middlesbrough FC v Oxford United: Kim Hellberg looking to use squad in 'different way' during gruelling period
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg is hoping to strike a crucial balance during a hectic period in the Championship season.
The table makes for enjoyable reading for those at the Riverside, despite the loss to Coventry City on Monday (February 16).
Hellberg’s men sit second in the table, hot on the heels of the Sky Blues with just a one-point gap to close.
However, the gruelling nature of the divison’s final months has unravelled plenty of sides over the years.
With seven games lined up before the international break next month, Hellberg is keen to ensure he makes full use of the resources at his disposal.
Using the squad
He said: "There are short amounts of days inbetween the games so we need to use the squad in a little bit of a different way, that will be important to keep the energy up, to give people an opportunitym to balance the energy.
"We try to see and find out, talk to the players and see if you can find the best team and the best players for the game we are playing.
"That will be the balance in this period with seven games up to the international break, two games a week. That will be a time for balance and trying to find the right way. That’s my job and I will try to find the best way.”
Oxford United challenge
Clubs fighting for their lives can sometimes provide the sternest tests when the business end of the season is approaching.
Oxford United are languishing in 23rd in the Championship table and Hellberg will need to be wary of their desperation.
He said: “[I expect] a tough low block, mainly. I saw them against Coventry, they drew 0-0, in a game they had a man sent off.
"They showed a lot of passion in the way they defended and tried to go in transitions. [They are] quick up front, they have some good results lately in terms of close games. They beat Leicester away.
"We need to handle those things, we need to be good around the box and good around finishing with people in the way of the goal. Using those moments to find the pass, find the right shot, and trying to be good at taking the ball back and stop those transitions, and be good on set-plays.
"We have been working from the game [against Coventry], as always, trying to learn from it going into an intense period with a lot of games. We’re looking forward to it, and being back at the Riverside.
"Of course disappointed over the result and some things about the performance. Energy, trying to learn from it, it’s a good group in that way. That’s the only thing you can do.”