Motherwell

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson has been speaking to the media ahead of Sunday's Premier Sports Cup clash with Stenhousemuir.

Here are the key lines from his media conference.

• Following the Europa Conference League qualifying win over HJK Helsinki, Johansson praised the "superb" atmosphere at Fir Park and says the connection between the team and the fans has been "better than what I thought" coming into the job.

• The attitude of the fans towards their team is different to what he has experienced in his native Sweden and admits "people are very humble, I don't feel the same in Scandinavia. I feel that when we are doing well and people are coming to see us play. It's a sense of gratitude that I haven't maybe felt before."

• At the start of the season Johansson says he asked Ibrahim Said to improve his end product and consistency and - after two stunning goals against Helsinki - he is now demonstrating both.

• He is still aiming to do "a thing or two more" in terms of signings before the end of the transfer window.

• On potential departures, he adds: "I mean, these are moments of uncertainty, right? When there is a transfer window. I'm not going to place any bet on how it's going to look at the end of the window."

• Focus has quickly turned to Stenhousemuir, with Johansson saying he expects a tough test against the Championship outfit and says "to underestimate that task on Sunday, that would be the most stupid thing in the world to do. We respect our opponent and the way that we do that is to try absolutely everything we can to go there and win the game. Not underestimating one percent."

Motherwell fans, we asked for your views after Thursday night's victory over HJK Helsinki secured a place in the Conference League play-off.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Stuart: What can you say, this is a team that just keeps on giving. What a time to be a Motherwell fan. With seven new signings and six academy graduates we had to fear the worst but last night was outstanding against a club with European pedigree. Now a real test to see as a club where we are at against a top German opposition in Frieburg. A tough ask but who knows with this squad

Craig: What a result by the whole team. One of the greatest/loudest atmospheres I have experienced in my 40+ years as a Well fan. No fear going into the next round

Allan: Really not sure what else to say about Motherwell. You keep expecting them to fall flat on their faces but they just don't. I was crying out for us to keep and pass the football but had no idea we could actually do it to this level. Can Alfred [Johansson] be better than Jens [Berthel Askou]? I hope we never see honking fitbaw at Fir Park ever again.

Alistair: Outstanding. Brilliant atmosphere created by the fans, matched by two superb goals. All the players deserve great credit for a marvellous outcome over the two legs. Obviously Ibrahim Said's goals will be the focus of most praise but I thought Jake Girdwood-Reich was outstanding throughout the 90 minutes. The team have really earned the right to have a tilt at a top German side in Freiburg - roll on next Thursday.

Susan: The best night I have experienced at Fir Park. A superb performance from our players and the atmosphere was amazing. We fear no one. Bring on the next round.

James: Thought we were absolutely tremendous. A nervous first half we played superb football in the second half. A deserved victory and Said was phenomenal. Still room for improvement, and again, we need a goalscorer. Money to spend, but we have to do it wisely.

Motherwell will face last season's Europa League finalists Freiburg for a place in the Conference League proper after two sensational Ibrahim Said goals saw off HJK Helsinki at a bouncing Fir Park.

Read the full match report here

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Motherwell boss Alfred Johnasson: "A strong performance for a club like Motherwell to now be in the play-offs.

"Massive, massive credit to the players, they put everything out there. We can't be anything other than pleased with that.

"Ibrahim [Said] has been so good for us so far this season in all the games he's been involved in, except against Falkirk when he maybe didn't manage to show his offensive skills but tonight he was brilliant. I would also like to mention Alex Lowry's second half was also very strong but you could mention so many guys.

"We were brave and looked better on the ball than we did on Sunday, that was most pleasing. The effort is always there so it's about maintaining the bravery and playing the way we want on the ball and tonight we did it.

"Tonight I'm going to go home and feed my baby so my wife can sleep. We'll come back in tomorrow and recover, then we look forward to the next task which is Sunday.

"It is [a brilliant tie against Freiburg] but we want to do well in the League Cup and we have a massive game on Sunday. It's a massive, massive game, it's a final for us on Sunday and that's where we're going to put all of our focus on that then we can move on to next week."

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While Motherwell have made an impressive start to life under new boss Alfred Johansson, they must look to bolster their attacking options, says former player Andy Halliday.

The Fir Park side are unbeaten in five outings this season, despite losing a host of key players.

However, Halliday, who was part of the squad that finished fourth in the Scottish Premiership last term, believes they are "really short at the top end of the pitch".

The creative talents of Elijah Just, Elliot Watt and Callum Slattery have moved on, while it may be difficult to retain Tawanda Maswanhise.

Of the eight new arrivals, Willy Vogt is the only forward, with Halliday, telling the BBC Scottish Football Podcast: "I've been more impressed by the other signings, shall I say.

"I watched the game against Falkirk [0-0 on Sunday] and, for all the control they have, they don't have enough at the top end.

"Tawanda Maswanhese is back but will he be a Motherwell player by the end of the window?

"I think they are one or two signings short to be close to their best.

"But, like any team with new players and a new manager, they are a work in progress and they are still picking up results."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Manager Alfred Johansson has been speaking to the media before Motherwell face HJK in the second leg of their Conference League third-round qualifier.

Here are the key lines:

• Johansson is "absolutely buzzing" to bring "very exciting" midfielder Joe Hodge to the club. The manager says he is "mainly a number six in our system" but can also have a "more box-to-box" role.

• The Swedish coach says the Republic of Ireland international possesses the "vision, quality on the ball and mobility" to play at the base of his side's midfield.

• Despite bringing in large transfer fees over the course of the past year, Johansson says Motherwell are "still going to be strategic" with incomings but agrees that Hodge's arrival signals real ambition by the club, given the pedigree he arrives with.

• Hodge will not be eligible for Motherwell's match with HJK on Thursday, while left-sided defender Dylan Williams still faces another "week or two" on the sidelines.

• Strikers Eythor Bjorgolfsson and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos are back in training but are still doing individual work away from the team.

• Johansson adds that his players will need a "strong, strong performance" to progress on Thursday following a 1-1 draw last week.

• The Swede hailed his side's second-half display in Helsinki, saying they were "more fearless, more aggressive and that's us". "We want to excite, we want to play our way," he adds.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Getty Images

Manager Alfred Johansson says Motherwell play in a style that will allow "excellent footballer" Joe Hodge to "flourish and develop further" after the Republic of Ireland midfielder signed for an undisclosed fee from Portuguese side FC Tondela.

The 23-year-old has penned a two-year deal, with the Fir Park club holding the option of a further year, and becomes the side's eighth summer signing.

Primarily a deep-lying midfielder, the former Wolves player featured in 26 games in Portugal's top flight last term as Tondela suffered relegation to the second tier.

A product of Manchester City's youth academy, he played 13 times for Wolves, six of which came in the Premier League, and had loans at Queens Park Rangers and Huddersfield before his move to Portugal.

"Joe is an excellent footballer who fits the profile for the type of midfielder we want in our squad," Motherwell boss Johansson said of his new recruit, who made his international debut in June.

"He has played in the Premier League against some of the best players in the world and has gained experience in English and Portuguese football. At 23, he has achieved a lot, but there is more to come from this young man."

Hodge, who provides a much-needed option in the Motherwell midfield following the departures of Callum Slattery and Elliot Watt, added: "Having watched Motherwell games last season and the games this season, I've been itching to get involved.

"There are a lot of new faces this season, but the cohesion amongst the players is clear with the great results so far this season.

"As a footballer, you want to play in football teams that you feel are best suited to your qualities, and I feel this group of coaches and players are a perfect match for me."

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

Another unbeaten week for the pride of Lanarkshire.

The draw in Helsinki was a much more glamorous result than the stalemate with Falkirk, but both are important.

Fir Park will be rocking on Thursday night since it is all to play for in the battle to progress to a Conference League play-off against last year's Europa League runners-up Freiburg.

The grit, determination and fire we have help make the Steelmen a force to be reckoned with.

However, you can tell we are starting to feel the effects of playing twice a week because towards the end of the Falkirk game we were slowing down and making silly errors.

We do still need extra bodies through the door. I would happily take some loan signings to tide us over until our injury problems clear up.

A packed Fir Park can be an intimidating place to visit for away teams, so as fans it is our duty to make the place feel like a fortress.

We are yet to lose a competitive game - hopefully that's still the case by the end of this week.

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HJK Helsinki beat Oulu 1-0 in their Finnish league game at they prepare for Thursday's trip to Fir Park to face Motherwell in the second leg of their Conference League third round qualifier.

The sides drew 1-1 in Finland last week in the first leg of the tie.

Motherwell were held to a goalless draw at home to Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday while HJK Helsinki, currently third in the Finnish top flight, dispatched the fifth place side.

Should Motherwell progress through the Conference League qualifier, they will face Freiburg of Germany who beat French side Strasbourg 2-0 in a friendly on Saturday.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Raphael Sallinger - Hibernian

Made eight saves as Hibs held on for another win over Rangers at Ibrox.

Kanayo Megwa - Hibernian

Played a big part in a strong, steady victorious showing at Ibrox.

Auston Trusty - Celtic

Superb block on the line as the American kept things tight at the back for Celtic.

Owen Bevan - Dundee

You don't have to be called Bevan to do well for Dundee, but it clearly helps. Strong showing at the back.

Emmanuel Longelo - Motherwell

More often than not makes an impact down the left for the Steelmen.

Joe Bevan - Dundee

Looked impressive at times against Celtic and took it to a new level against Aberdeen with a goal and assist.

Tom Renaud - Hearts

His laser-guided rocket reminded me of Ally McCoist at Euro '96. To be fair, Renaud's was even better.

Killian Phillips - St Mirren

Suddenly the main man for the Buddies. Loved his no-nonsense one-step penalty.

Josh McPake - Hearts

Scored a fine goal, linking up with Claudio Braga. Shining on the Tynecastle stage after his heroics for St Johnstone.

Kasper Hogh - Celtic

An ebullient, winning personality and the Celtic fans have a new hero after the £11m man netted a hat-rick and looked an all round class act.

Claudio Braga - Hearts

Ran out of superlatives for his contribution last season, and was back to his best against Dundee United with a goal and two assists.

Motherwell fans, we asked for your views after Sunday's goalless draw against Falkirk.

Here's what some of you had to say:

John: A wee bit concerning the way we totally fell out of the game in the last 25 minutes. Prior to that we played a lot of nice football and should have been a goal up. Take into account that Falkirk were our real bogey team last season then it's a decent point. Time to conquer Europe now.

Stuart: To be honest we are still unbeaten in competitive games this season. Although we looked tired for most of the game, to come away with a point is a bonus. We still need a couple of new signings - a striker and creative midfielder - but time to reset and hopefully continue with a win over HJK Helsinki.

George: I think our displays to date this season have been overpraised. Talk of a seamless transition from last year have been lazy. Still, I didn't think we would be so poor so quickly. We looked limited in attack and lacking in pressing and forward momentum. Hope this is not a sign of things to come or the season could be less successful than many pundits suppose.

Jim: Don't know why some supporters were full of moans and groans during a hard fought home draw against a team who beat us three times last year. A few weeks ago most of these guys didn't know each other, they were running on empty for the last 20 minutes but still dug in.

Walter: We really need a striker.

Watch all the action as Motherwell and Falkirk play out a goalless draw at Fir Park to maintain Alfred Johansson's unbeaten start to life at Motherwell. Available to UK users only

Motherwell are considering loan options for Zander McAllister, who has interest from the Championship down to League Two, despite the 18-year-old midfielder having been involved in first-team squads. (Daily Record, external)

Jens Berthel Askou says he was tempted to stay with Motherwell and take them to the next level, but the offer of being Toulouse head coach was too interesting to turn down. (The Scotsman, external)

Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.

Alfred Johansson maintained his unbeaten start to life as Motherwell manager, but his side failed to breakdown Falkirk as the pair played out a lively draw in the Scottish Premiership.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson: "If you take into account the last 20 minutes of the game I think it's a good point.

"Falkirk grew into the game and we kind of grew out of it. We will take the point. It's a game we created a couple of chances and we could have converted better and scored a goal but I think the performance in the second half, we expect more from each other.

"I think we need to be realistic and realise that it's a time of change with a lot of new people, players, staff, coming in. You need to realise then that you're going to have to build relationships, understanding of each other and the way we want to play. We need to learn all these players and that can take a little bit of time. We've started really good, we've taken a couple of victories already and today were defensively solid, even if we weren't happy with the performance on the ball.

"This game is mainly down to us having to be better on the ball going forward.

"We still have levels to improve offensively. We need to make sure we are as a good as we can to solve problems together. On the positive note I think we created a couple of chances where we looked dangerous, we maintained defensive solidity. When you don't have your best game but keep a clean sheet, it's massive.

"We have a big task on Thursday, we have to enjoy tonight, relax and on Tuesday and Wednesday we will prepare for an important game for the club with a smile on our face. We need to look forward now and enjoy the next couple of days."

Motherwell's Alex Lowry is eager to do justice to sporting the number 11 once worn by Davie Cooper at Fir Park. (Record - subscription required, external)

Sunday's Scottish gossip

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Bolt Arena, Helsinki

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Alfred Johansson really does take things one game at a time.

On Wednesday, he admitted he "didn't even know about the draw" in relation to potentially facing Freiburg in the Conference League play-offs, and on Thursday, he certainly wouldn't entertain any questions about reaching that stage by defeating HJK Helsinki next week.

For now, the Finnish side is not on his mind. His sole focus is Falkirk on Sunday.

It will be the Swede's first home game in the Scottish Premiership, and though he only joined over the summer, he's acutely aware of the hold the Bairns had over the Steelmen last season.

"They were the nemesis last year," Johansson said in Helsinki, shortly before he and his players hopped on a plane back home to prepare for the meeting with John McGlynn's side after a 1-1 first-leg draw in Finland.

"I don't think anyone cannot be so excited by the opportunity to play them on Saturday.

"The staff have a lot of knowledge about them, I know they're a good team from what I've seen already - including from some of the games last year I watched prior to signing the contract here.

"They're a good team with a lot of energy, a lot of stability within the club and the manager's position.

"They're improving all the time, exceeding expectations and it's going to be a difficult game but we're looking forward to it with confidence.

"They've lost a few players, but we have too so it's going to be a tight game - that's what the Premiership is, isn't it?"

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Motherwell pair Regan Charles-Cook and Alex Lowry will be checked after going off injured against HJK Helsinki but Ibrahim Said is available, having missed the Finland trip because of a visa issue. Eythor Bjorgolfsson is pushing for a comeback but Dylan Williams, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (calf), Jordan McGhee (hamstring), Paul McGinn, Callum Hendry and Stephen O'Donnell (all knee) are set to remain sidelined.

Falkirk could hand a debut to new midfielder Finlay Barbrook but Scott Tanser (groin), Keelan Adams, Ethan Laidlaw, Tom Lang and Aidan Nesbitt (all ankle) are injured while captain Brad Spencer is suspended.