Former Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis believes Kim Hellberg’s side possess a key strength that could give them the edge over Coventry City in the battle for Premier League promotion next season.
Boro have hit top form after ending a goal drought that stretched across four Championship matches at the turn of the year.
They’ve responded with five consecutive wins, drawing level on points with Coventry as the Sky Blues’ momentum has dipped following a previously strong run under Frank Lampard.
Both clubs are aiming to end lengthy absences from the top flight. Middlesbrough have spent nine years outside the Premier League, while Coventry are still chasing a return after a 25-year wait that even saw them drop as low as League Two.
Coventry currently sit top of the table on goal difference, though back-to-back 2-1 away defeats to Norwich City and QPR have slowed their progress. Meanwhile, Boro’s latest victory — their fifth in a row — also came against Norwich. Both sides hold a four-point cushion over Hull City, who failed to close the gap after drawing with Watford.
Despite Hellberg only being in charge for a short period, Pulis feels Middlesbrough have what it takes to go all the way and potentially overtake Coventry in the title race.
Pulis praises Boro’s balance
Drawing on his own promotion experience with Stoke City, Pulis highlighted the overall structure of Hellberg’s squad as a major advantage. He also referenced Middlesbrough’s January additions, including Adilson Malanda and Jeremy Sarmiento, as further strengthening their depth — an area some Coventry supporters have questioned in their own side.
Speaking on The Managers’ Podcast with Mick McCarthy, Pulis said Middlesbrough are the most “balanced” team he has watched in the Championship. He noted that while they look impressive on the ball, they are also disciplined and organised without it — a combination he views as crucial at this stage of the season.
Pulis added that he would be pleased to see success return to the Riverside, praising the club, chairman Steve Gibson and the people of the North East.
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