Press news in MKII...

Good afternoon, folks! At Colney, waiting for Philippe Clement to join us shortly.
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DD to PC on change of time for Presser: "I will do the presser when suits my time. If you have a problem see me after"

*DD graciously declines and keeps within lane*

PC reflections on Birmingham - "The team has shown good things on the ball, with good goals. We've got good technical players. But to win the fight against Birmingham, who have won the most heading duels this season was pleasing."

PC - "Yes - 100%. You need different layers. You cannot have one playing style offensively and defensively. There is no disrespect from my side towards a certain type of football, it's about getting results in the end."

PC on penalty shouts against Birmingham - "I put it in my mind after the game that I won't go into discussions about that. I've been clear about VAR and how it helps referees. The game goes so fast, so you cannot see everything. It's a gamble between one side and another."

PC on fitness of those on duty against Birmingham - "Everything was fine and good after the game."

PC on Toure/Slimane - "Of course. They will be in our thoughts. Is it a guarantee that they start? No. But they will be in the squad."

PC on Mahovo - "Week by week he is doing more things. If everything goes well, then I expect him back in the group during the international break."

PC on Mo Toure interview - "Of course, if players are doing well, then there is interest. There is always a lot of talk in June, July and August, which is why us manager's are happy when the window closes. But this has been the best window in my time in management, as everybody was invested from the second they were in the building. I've had an easy time this period with that."

PC - "I've been in different positions as a player, as an assistant, and as a manager. I'm proud of players if they take the next step. It's part of their journey, if they give everything for the club. If the money is right, then it's the natural chain. I believe if Mo keeps developing like he is now, then that moment will come. But if we were to make a promotion, then that might change things."

PC on Kim Hellberg - "They have a lot of quality and I respect Kim highly. The way he plays football is how I see football. They invested, I think over £40 million in this transfer window; they brought a striker in for nearly £20 million. They are one of their favourites. They took Berhalter, who is a good player. He was on the list here in January. Play-offs are guaranteed for them, I feel."

PC on Boro test - "You need to come out of their pressing, so on the ball you need to be really good. We have ideas on how to do it. Without the ball, you need to make sure they don't push you back towards your own 18-yard box."

PC on game last season - "We have a new group and new players, but also some from last season. This is a new challenge and will be the biggest up until now, maybe even for the whole season. I will not be surprised if Boro finish 1st.

PC - "We are putting all our energy into Middlesbrough. But I feel a lot of hunger in the group. Today was only two days after the last one, but the team looked fresh, hungry and full of desire."

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That is all from Philippe Clement for today at Coolknee, on my bike back to Rosary rud before I get in trouble. OTBC!!

Posted By: DrDublin, Sep 11, 15:43:37