Middlesbrough’s Kim Hellberg gives 40-word response to Premier League club shortlisting him

Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg has addressed reports linking him with Crystal Palace after being shortlisted by the struggling Premier League club. Speaking on Swedish television network TV4's programme Bollklubben, Hellberg dismissed the speculation as mostly talk while acknowledging it is nice to be recognized. He reaffirmed that his full focus remains on doing his job at Middlesbrough and securing promotion to the Premier League.

Palace are currently bottom of the Premier League after losing four consecutive matches, prompting interest in alternative managerial candidates. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough sit second in the Championship table after 15 games, trailing leaders Birmingham City only on goal difference. Hellberg emphasized that his team has a strong chance of going up this season despite fierce competition from promotion rivals.