Middlesbrough is aiming for a fresh start this season, and defender Rav van den Berg is aware that they need to avoid a repeat of their poor start from last season. The team struggled at the beginning of the Championship campaign last year, only managing to pick up two points from their first seven matches. This slow start ultimately impacted their chances of making it to the play-offs, as they finished just four points outside the top six.
Van den Berg emphasized the importance of consistency this season, highlighting the need to perform well in every game and sustain their form throughout the season. He believes that a strong start is crucial for their success this year, and the team is determined to improve on their past mistakes.
Unlike the previous summer, Middlesbrough has not undergone significant changes in their squad this year. There have been no major departures, and the new additions, Aidan Morris and Delano Burgzorg, have integrated well into the team. The focus during pre-season has been on fitness and improving specific areas of their game, with the team remaining unbeaten in their friendly matches.
With their final pre-season game against Heerenveen approaching, Middlesbrough is gearing up for their opening match against Swansea City. Van den Berg expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and believes that they are ready to kick off the new season on a positive note. The squad is optimistic about their prospects this year and is aiming to build on the successes of the previous season while learning from their past setbacks.