Kim Hellberg has prohibited shirt-pulling and sliding tackles in Middlesbrough training sessions.

The Boro boss revealed the rule in an interview with the Daily Mail as he works to steer the club back to the Premier League. While it might seem linked to managing an injury-hit squad, Hellberg insists the main aim is to promote respect among players and encourage them to solve problems without resorting to fouls.

He explained: “It’s about stopping players from taking the easy option. I want them to run, not grab shirts. In matches, if we need to do it, that’s fine. But not here, with each other.

“Sliding tackles are the same. You have to be strong enough to stay on your feet. We train at such high intensity – like Bielsa’s ‘murderball’ – that players get exhausted and start throwing themselves into challenges. That shows a lack of respect and can be dangerous.

“Learning to stay on your feet when you’re tired is important. I’m very clear about my rules, and when I set one, I enforce it. If someone breaks it, I’ll give the ball to the opposition ten times in a row. They’ll soon stop. If you have only a few rules, you have to apply them properly.”

Hellberg has often spoken about the influence of Marcelo Bielsa on his approach, particularly in terms of demanding high intensity.

He has also stressed that the same standards apply in training, ensuring players are accustomed to the tempo and physical demands when they step onto the pitch.