Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has described his side's start to the Championship season as "impressive" but warned players cannot afford to ease off as the campaign unfolds.
Boro are second in the table, two points off the top, after recording just one defeat in their opening 10 games. Seven of those fixtures have come against sides currently in the top 11 of the division.
Strong Results Against Varied Opposition
In their other three games, Middlesbrough won at home to Lincoln — a team that has taken nine points from their other four away games — and drew at newly-relegated Burnley, who have lost just once in five games at Turf Moor.
The club's momentum has built following back-to-back wins at home to Wolves and away at Stoke.
Hellberg's Message on Maintaining Standards
Speaking to BBC Radio Tees, Hellberg acknowledged the progress made despite considerable challenges over the summer. "It's 46 games, with 36 left — it's a marathon," he said. "It's all about picking up points in the beginning of the season to take yourself to a position where you can look at the table in January and see where you are at."
He noted that several factors could have disrupted the team's early form. "With everything that was around, how the last season ended (losing in the Championship play-off final), so many players coming in late, injuries, there was a lot of possible excuses for not starting the season as well as we have done, but the players have been absolutely excellent."
Hellberg stressed the need for sustained focus from everyone at the club. "It's easy to drop some percentage. It's important for everyone to not do that. Enjoy it, but bring your A-game."
Cardiff Challenge This Weekend
Cardiff visit the Riverside on Saturday at 12:30 BST. The Bluebirds are unbeaten in five home games but have taken just a point from their five matches on the road.
Hellberg said Cardiff present a significant test. "They have been very good, a tough opponent. They deserve more points than they have got. They are very brave in their attacking mindset, it's a massive challenge and I think it will be a very good football game."