Overview
- HELLBERG'S FIRST MATCH: The 37-year-old takes charge for the first time on Saturday against Derby County at the Riverside after only two training sessions.
- Tactical blueprint: Hellberg describes aggressive, high-defending, quick-attacking football, citing influences such as Marcelo Bielsa, Roberto De Zerbi, Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.
- Measured rollout: He says players get a clean slate as he evaluates the squad over the next three to four weeks, asking only that they give their best with December’s schedule limiting training time.
- Targets and context: He sets a clear aim to reach the Premier League this season or next, inheriting a side joint-second but with just three wins in 11 and a need to create more chances.
- Transition notes: Adi Viveash remains to provide continuity, analyst-coach David Selini joins, Derby boss John Eustace calls the appointment exciting, and Derby travel without top scorer Carlton Morris due to a knee injury.