Kim Hellberg makes a plea after Middlesbrough throw away a lead to lose 2-1 at Blackburn on Saturday afternoon.
Jeremy Sarmiento had put Boro ahead after just 12 minutes, but Rovers then hit back in the second half, Andri Gudjohnsen levelling the scoreline on 49 minutes.
Then Todd Cantwell broke down the Middlesbrough defence to put blackburn ahead on 55 minutes, and the hosts held firm for the win.
The result sees Blackburn 6th in the table at this very early stage, one win and one draw in the league, and undefeated in the first three games in all competitions. Next up for them, Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup, before then playing QPR at the weekend.
Middlesbrough are 11th with one win and one defeat, coming from behind to beat Lincoln in the opening game, they also beat Wrexham in the first round of the Carabao Cup, setting up a trip to Doncaster on Tuesday, and then face 2nd place West Brom at the weekend, the Baggies with three wins out of three in all competitions.
SHORTENED HIGHLIGHTS:
EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS:
#Boro fan on BBC Tees after the game 😳🤣 pic.twitter.com/HUbZzibYof
— Chris (@Chris_BoroUTB) August 23, 2026
Middlesbrough’s Kim Hellberg said, as per Sky Sports:
“I think the performance was a big step forward to be fair from the last game. I’m disappointed we’re 1-0 up in the first half and don’t get anything from here.
“I think the first half is OK. We should be happy to be 1-0 up even if I think it’s an even first half.
“Then there are 10 minutes of weak defending and bad positioning where they score their two goals. Blackburn do a lot with very few opportunities but when they get those opportunities they make a lot from it.
“The 10 minutes of defending is not close to being good enough. I’m frustrated but I can also understand we are not where we want to be.”
He also called for patience, saying, as per Northern Echo: “I can’t be as furious as I would have been if it was the middle of the season.
“Like I told you every press conference, we’ve done unbelievable things in the window, but it also means it’s seven new players in the club and four players who were injured who came back…”
Blackburn’s Tony Mowbray said, as per Sky Sports:
“I like Todd Cantwell. The games I came to watch last year, I think technically he was very good with the ball. If anything, he would drift into areas and I’m thinking he’s not going to hurt the goalie.
“I’ve spent a bit of time talking to him really. He has to assist; he has to score. If he doesn’t assist and score, it doesn’t matter how good you are with the ball, you can’t play in the team if you’re playing number 10 because a number 10 in any team in the world has to assist and score goals.
“He’s taken that on board very much so to the point of a brilliant cross and run against Burton for our winning goal. Today he scored a brilliant goal himself. He’s listening which is really pleasing for me because he is a talented boy.
“I’m really pleased with Todd that he’s getting into them areas where he can affect the goal, helping the team score and scoring himself.”
Here’s the social media reaction as Kim Hellberg makes a plea after Middlesbrough throw away a lead to lose 2-1 at Blackburn…
@Jack__boro: Shocking. We’re staying in this league forever
@BenHatfield19: Bin ayling and Whittaker off. Never wanna see them again in a boro shirt and please for the love of god bring someone who can actually create something into the club. We’re crying out for a Gaston type player
@UTFB97: Dunno what Kim changed at half time but he needs to get a fucking grip, inexcusable playing the same tappy rubbish around the box when nothing ever changes. He has the players, its on him to do it now.
@DazzaGB: Stop the head loss. 2 games in ffs. It’s the championship and shit happens. Boro will be fine this season. Well done Blackburn 👏
@_TY_97: Shows how much we still need. Such a weird game from us, rest of the window is vital and make sure we improve in some positions. Not good enough at creating chances today and thats all we did last season but couldn’t finish them. Winger and cm are so important now. Phillips for Ayling should make a big difference but my lord that should be a sign we still need more before the transfer window closes. For me we really missed that type of midfielder who can drive and play the killer pass in the middle, we were forced out wide when Hellberg wants to control the middle, cm is vital before the window closes. Jordan James could of been that
@Jordwalker19: My team are so back. Proper Boro, haven’t changed one bit since last season. Hope I eat my words. We move o
@Carr1831Simo: Sorry Mr Hellberg but it’s about time you had a plan B we got out of jail last week. Players need to learn how to put a decent cross in and more shooting practice
@Andyroo1980: It’ll take a minute to get this team settled but, nonetheless, that was incredibly poor! 22 shots with only 3 on target, we have learnt absolutely nothing going forward! At the back we need Jones and Phillips… Didn’t win a thing at the back all game
@Smithy_MFC84: Important not to lose our collective heads to early on… Disappointing to say the least, though. #Boro
@MattPB_: Barring the goal, the lack of quality from Boro today was really poor. All possession, barely tested their keeper apart from a flurry in the 2nd half. Gave up enough chances to lose 3 games. Deservedly beaten.
— Ewoodparksfinest (@Ewoodparkfinest) August 22, 2026
“Stop paying them for two weeks to teach them a lesson.”
Boro fan taking the Blackburn defeat well. pic.twitter.com/7ZobEG21kG
— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) August 23, 2026
