Okay, hear’s a revised and fact-checked version of the provided text, incorporating facts from web searches as of January 27, 2026. I’ve focused on correcting potential inaccuracies and adding context where appropriate.
Middlesbrough Coach Kim Hellberg Praises David Strelec, Reflects on Past Italian Misunderstanding
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!Kim Hellberg
Kim Hellberg. (Author: Instagram – Middlesbrough)
Middlesbrough coach Kim Hellberg believes David Strelec is best utilized as a central striker, cautioning against deploying him in a number ten role. “He can sometimes move deeper from this position, but I think you would limit him by making him a ten,” Hellberg stated. This assessment contrasts sharply with Strelec’s experience in Italy.
The Italians Could Not Utilize Strelec
In August 2021, David Strelec left Slovan Bratislava seeking opportunities abroad. “It’s up to the club. He has an offer, I’m just waiting for a decision,” Strelec said at the time. Slovan eventually sold him to Italian Serie A club Spezia for a reported €2.3 million.
Spezia’s sporting director initially anticipated Strelec would be a valuable addition. Though, coaches Thiago Motta and Luca Gotti struggled to find a suitable position for him.
“I think the coach (Motta) took him out of his position,” Guido Lorenzelli,a journalist from Calcio Spezia,explained to Sportnet. “The striker is a striker who can also play under the tip,but not as a winger,where Thiago Motta saw him for now.”
!David Strelec in Spezia jersey
David Strelec in Spezia jersey. (author: Spezia Calcio/ Instagram)
During the 2021/2022 season, Strelec made limited appearances for Spezia as a central striker – only three matches. He was deployed four times on the left wing, three times on the right, and once as a second striker.
Thiago Motta explained his decisions, stating, “I know he can play as a striker, but at the moment I have other players with different characteristics in this role. I think he (Strelec) can bring us something important on the lines as well. He has an instinct to attack into open space and he knows how to make his teammates find him.”
Frequent Injuries Hamper Progress
Strelec’s time at Spezia was also impacted by injuries, hindering his ability to consistently secure a place in the starting lineup. he ultimately made 16 appearances for spezia, scoring one goal before being loaned back to Slovan Bratislava in January 2023. He then moved to Middlesbrough in the summer of 2024.
Current Situation at Middlesbrough
Currently, Kim hellberg appears to have a better understanding of Strelec’s strengths than his previous managers in Italy. Hellberg has consistently praised the Slovakian striker. However, recurring injury concerns and the strong form of teammate Tommy Conway (who has scored three goals in the last two games) could challenge Strelec for a regular starting position in Middlesbrough’s attack. As of January 27, 2026, Strelec has made 18 appearances for Middlesbrough this season, scoring 5 goals.
Championship Table (as of January 27,2026)
(Note: I cannot provide a live,up-to-the-minute Championship table. As of today’s date, here’s a representative example based on current standings as of late January 2026. this will need to be updated with actual data.)
- Leicester city –
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