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Who Kim Hellberg says has benefited from three-week break and what it means for Boro

Kim Hellberg claims the extended international break has been invaluable for getting some of Middlesbrough’s summer signings fully up to speed

By Scott Wilson · The Northern Echo

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 5:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Kim Hellberg said Middlesbrough summer signings lacking pre-season benefited most from the three-week international break.
Boro utilized the period for tactical and fitness work, including a behind-closed-doors victory against Newcastle United.
Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter impressed on international duty, scoring in consecutive matches for the United States.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg stated that the three-week international break served as an invaluable mini pre-season for summer signings who missed preparation time. Players remaining at Rockliffe Park worked extensively on tactical systems and fitness, which included a behind-closed-doors friendly win over Newcastle United before their Championship clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Hellberg also praised midfielder Sebastian Berhalter for his scoring form with the United States national team during the break. While international players returned uninjured, David Strelec had a delayed return from Slovakia duty and defender Alfie Jones remains sidelined with a calf injury.

Read the full article on The Northern Echo

Who Kim Hellberg says has benefited from three-week break and what it means for Boro

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