Control of detachment of a web from a roll, such as a paper web from a press roll in a paper machine, in particular a so-called closed press section provided with a smooth-faced press roll. The temperature of the surface of the smooth-faced press roll is adjusted, so that adhesion between the roll surface and the paper web to be detached is influenced or affected. Thereby, the detaching angle and/or the detaching tension of the paper web, is set within an optimal range. Temperature profile of the smooth-faced press roll in the axial direction thereof, can also be adjusted with a view to controlling the detaching of the web.