Motherwell

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Stay "hungry, humble but not greedy" is the message from Jens Berthel Askou to his players as Motherwell seek to continue their eye-catching form and performances.

Motherwell are have taken 13 points from the last 15 on offer and their win over 10-man Hibs on Tuesday night moved them up fourth in league, level on points with the Easter Road side and Rangers.

However, with that comes a warning from the manager, who says culture on and off the pitch is crucial in avoiding complacency.

"We need to stay hungry, humble, not greedy. To stay on the right side of that thin line where you get overconfident because things are going well," said Askou.

He added: "It shows in the little things every day. Let's say they don't pick up their coffee cup when they leave the dressing room or they stop doing the extra set or the last repetition in the gym.

"That's where it starts, when you feel you're on top and nothing can hurt you, for some. Because I think it's natural for people to sometimes, when you've worked hard for a long time to achieve something, or you think you've achieved something, then you start to become a little bit complacent or lazy or just a little bit too comfortable.

"So it's about striking hard on these little things. And that's what we are keeping an eye on. It's culture, basically.

"Every day, no matter if you've lost 10 games or if you've won 10, it never stops. And I think we have a good group of players and staff who are good at reminding each other and also showing each other how we want to do some things and how we want to be successful and how we want to build and guard the culture."

On Saturday Motherwell welcome table-topping Hearts, who have stumbled in recent weeks and suffered a first defeat of the season last Sunday at Aberdeen.

"You see even the best teams in the world, they struggle to every game. So I'm not surprised that Hearts eventually lost a football game. It will happen to everyone," Askou said.

"And I don't think it will ruin their confidence or their feel of flow or the way they approach the game."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media before his side's Premiership match with leaders Hearts.

Here are the key lines:

• He insist his players must stay "hungry, humble but not greedy". Says it's important not to get too complacent and "to stay on the right side of that thin line where you get overconfident" because things are going well.

• Askou is not surprised Hearts have slipped up in the past two matches, saying even the "best teams in the world struggle winning every game", and doesn't think it will affect their confidence.

• On Motherwell's recent form and performances, the Dane says he's been surprised at how quickly he has transformed things although he always knew the potential was there.

• Despite a good win over Hibs in midweek, he's told his players not to "expect us to just be on top" against "very strong team" Hearts. Askou says they have to be mindful of the previous meeting when Hearts rallied from three down to draw.

• On Premiership top scorer Tawanda Maswanhise, Askou says he is "extremely important because he has that ability to really explode" with his pace.

• The club are in talks about when Maswanhise will join up with Zimbabwe for the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on 21 December. Askou says while it's a blow to lose the forward, Motherwell have "a plan" and it doesn't mean they'll be less competitive in that position.

• The Motherwell manager is relishing the atmosphere on Saturday when a crowd of around 10,000 - including 4,800 away fans - is expected.

• He adds: "We won't be blown out of the stadium by 20,000 supporters like you sometimes have the feeling you do when you play at Tynecastle."

• Stephen O'Donnell is back in training and has a chance of making the squad on Saturday. Andy Halliday is "progressing".

Stephen Welsh could force Celtic into a January decision about his loan to Motherwell because his form has the 25-year-old knocking on the door to the Scotland squad. (Record), external

Hibernian are "hurting" following their midweek loss to Motherwell, says Chris Cadden. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Jens Berthel Askou's Motherwell play "sensational" football and are the best team to watch in the Scottish Premiership.

That's the verdict of former Hibs, Celtic and Dundee United midfielder Scott Allan, who was blown away by his first in-person viewing of Askou's side on Tuesday night.

The Steelmen brushed Hibs aside 2-0 at Fir Park to move level on points with David Gray's third-place team.

Under Dane Askou, Motherwell have won five of their 13 league games, losing just two, and reached the League Cup semi-finals where they lost to St Mirren.

"Their performance was sensational," Allan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "There were times you have to clap at some of the stuff that was going on.

"I've watched them on the TV, that was my first time watching them live, I think they are the best football team in the league.

"I don't think they have the best players but they are the best football team to watch in the league.

"The way they play is credit to the manager. They set up completely differently last night, targeting Hibs' weaknesses and at the same time taking away all the good things Hibs do.

"Whether that was the Cadden brothers putting crosses into the box, the space in behind for [Martin] Boyle to run the channels, [Josh] Mulligan's running power from midfield. They took all that away and it was purely down to the shape of how the manager set the players up.

"At the same time as all that, some of the football was just sensational and they were unlucky not to run away with three of four goals on the night."

Image source, SNS

We asked for your views after Motherwell dipatched Hibs 2-0 to move fourth in the Premiership.

Here's what some of you said:

Daniel: Brilliant play, just glad to see that we're finally converting the chances we deserve. Great team effort, stuck in together and a fantastic goalline clearance from Johnny Koutroumbis. All in for an Edinburgh double.

John: We have been the best footballing team all season and are finally getting the results our play has deserved. Honestly fear no one this season, bring on the Hearts this Saturday.

Alastair: Great night at Fir Park. Motherwell were great and thoroughly deserved the win. No failures and everyone knew their responsibilities. Great to watch.

Stuart: Really good performance from start to finish, including the goalline clearance. Would have been good to see the third goal go in, but 2-0 against Hibs is an excellent result.

James: As good as it gets. Was expecting a tough game, we were in full control even before the red card. Quality of football was outstanding. Goalline clearance changed the game. Some terrific performances, players brought in were superb. Same again on Saturday please.

D: Superb performance from the team, made Hibs look bang average. Tawanda Maswanhise continues to impress with every game, we are very lucky to have Jens Berthel Askou as manager, very exciting times ahead with him. Up to joint third in the league, long may it continue.

David: What a performance on a cold Tuesday evening. Dominated the ball from start to finish, even with five changes from the weekend. Fantastic rotation from the manager and great to see Tom Sparrow and Oscar Priestman get more minutes. Stephen Welsh has been an outstanding addition at the back, just hope we can keep him beyond January.

Motherwell swept past 10-man Hibernian at Fir Park, moving level on points with the Edinburgh side, who hang on to third place in the Scottish Premiership after a hapless display.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say here.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou told BBC Scotland: "We were able to change up a bit in the line-up, get in some fresh players with different qualities. It was needed today to execute the game plan, to take out their access to their front players.

"We cut out the supply from their midfield, leaving [Grant] Hanley to bring the ball forward. It set up the running duel with JT [Tawanda Maswanhise] and Hanley up top when we had the ball.

"The first 20-30 minutes was outstanding to watch. After the red card, it became a matter of finding the right balance in and out of possession, keeping control, and we did that well.

"Any team spends a lot of time analysing the opponent and discussing how you use your own strengths to hurt the opposition. It's not something specific to us.

"Today we made it look good because we have some young men out there who are good at executing what we do, and who feel comfortable and confident in trying new things.

"That was good to see. Saturday [at home to Hearts] is a new game and a new game plan.

"We're all learning as a group how to manage different phases and challenges against different opponents, both emotionally and tactically. That is something we spend a lot of time discussing and evaluating at the beginning of the season, because we were on a steep learning curve.

"It's not just a case of us being sharper here and there, it's a case of drawing really good experience from the first part of the season."

Image source, SNS

• Motherwell have lost their past two league games against Hibs, last losing three in a row to the Leith side in August 2018.

• Hibs have only lost one of their past eight league visits to Motherwell (W4 D3), going down 2-1 in August 2023 under Lee Johnson.

• Motherwell have lost just one of their past 10 home games in the Scottish Premiership (W5 D4), a 2-1 reverse to Falkirk in October.

• Hibs have only suffered three defeats in their past 18 away games in the Premiership (W7 D8), including just one in their latest eight (W3 D4), a 1-0 derby loss to Hearts in October.

• Motherwell have won their past three midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) league games, last winning four in a row in January 2020. Meanwhile, Hibernian are winless in nine Premiership matches played on a Tuesday (D6 L3), drawing their past five in a row on this day of the week.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou believes VAR is "helping football" and "driving the game to a better level".

While other managers have bemoaned the technology following recent controversy, such as St Mirren's disallowed goal against Hibs, Askou believes it is working.

"I think VAR is serving its purpose in general in football," he said.

"I came from Sweden, where there was big resistance towards VAR from the fans. Since the clubs were fan owned, they could keep VAR away from Swedish football.

"We'll have to accept that we don't always agree with decisions, no matter if they've had time to see it on various video screens.

"There will also be situations where the angles they have are not sufficient to see situations well enough.

"That's room for improvement, to get even better camera coverage, better angles, better zooming opportunities to make it even easier for them to make their calls.

"I think it is helping football in general to develop, because you can't cheat and make little unseen fouls inside the box anymore. So you have to actually, really defend.

"An offside is an offside, which is fair. You have to trust that they draw the lines in the right place.

"It is driving the game to a better level, that you can't cheat and steal as much as you could back in the day, where you could be a little bit more cynical."

Askou's side sit sixth in the Scottish Premiership table, one point behind Falkirk above them who have played a game more.

They welcome Hibernian, who sit third, to Fir Park on Tuesday night.

"I have seen more and more sharpness from the attacking players," he added.

"We were able to put them in even more and better situations.

"We have also seen our defensive stability grow. We've learned a lot from the first part of the season.

"Now we are entering a new part of the season where it's getting really, really hectic with a lot of games. It's going to be exciting to see how we will deal with that."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Motherwell finally reaped the rewards for some of their impressive performances this season and while Saturday's display at Rugby Park wasn't their best, they picked up all three points.

Jens Berthel Askou's side have two players in my team of the week.

Another fine defensive display from Paul McGinn, the middle McGinn brother.

Two goals for the Zimbabwean speedster Tawanda Maswanhise, what more do you want?

Watch the Sportscene panel analyse Tawanda Maswanhise's double for Motherwell against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

Motherwell fans, we asked for your views on the win at Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Bertie: Finally the results are matching the dominance of Motherwell's playing style and, unlike previous years, I can actually look forward to the weekend. The next two home games will see where we are and if we can continue to challenge for the top six and maybe Europe next season. Hats off to the board as well doing their homework and the previous manager as he did make a couple of decent signings before he left.

Derek: Great result, Killie has been a bit of a bogey ground for us in recent years. We played some good stuff in the first half and took both goals really well. We slacked off at the start of the second half to let Killie back but the triple sub from the manager gave us full control. We got the third goal and the game was done, roll on Tuesday night.

James: A great result, well deserved with great football and fantastic passing. Keep up the good work and top six will come.

Alec: I think [head of goalkeeping] Neil Alexander is doing a brilliant job with Calum Ward. He is so crucial to our style of play.

Watch all the highlights from Motherwell's 3-1 victory at Kilmarnock as Stuart Kettlewell's side suffered their sixth defeat in a row.

Available to UK users only

Image source, SNS

Motherwell goalscorer Tawanda Maswanhise didn't feel in any danger of losing at Kilmarnock, even when they were pegged back early in the second half.

Maswanhise scored twice to give Jens Berthel Askou's side a 2-0 advantage at half-time before Scott Tiffoney pulled one back for the hosts early on in the second half.

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos ultimately secured the three points from the spot with just over 20 minutes to play at Rugby Park.

But Maswanhise wasn't worried when Killie cut the visitors' lead.

"Every game that we go into, when we concede early on in the second half we always have the same belief," the forward said.

"We stayed strong and kept our positivity. I'm delighted for the two goals and most importantly the three points that get us up the table.

"The gaffer speaks about getting shots on target earlier because we know we're going to have a lot of possession in the game. I'm really happy for the team."

Tawanda Maswanhise's first-half double helped Motherwell to all three points at Rugby Park and condemned Kilmarnock to a sixth straight Scottish Premiership defeat.

Read the match report.

Have your say.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou told BBC Scotland" I would say the way we were able to control the game for the most part, I think that's because we were good in moments.

"We knew this was going to be a moments game, it's such a difficult place to play. There was a lack of concentration, and we allowed them to get back into the game.

"But from then on, we dealt really well with their direct play and them trying to overload our backline and create something from a second ball or a cross from wide areas."

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock boss Stuart Kettlewell has concerns over Brad Lyons and David Watson, who both picked up injuries on international duty, and George Stanger, who did not play for New Zealand but did not return in time to train.

Max Stryjek (medical issue), Lewis Mayo (calf), Jamie Brandon (ankle/groin), Djenairo Daniels (knee) and Matty Kennedy (hip) are out. Rory McKenzie and Kyle Magennis missed the last game.

Motherwell will make a late decision on Stephen O'Donnell and internationals Eli Just, Regan Charles-Cooke and Tawanda Maswanhise will be assessed.

They remain without Aston Oxborough (hand), Sam Nicholson, Filip Stuparevic (both knee), Eseosa Sule, Jordan McGhee (both thigh) and Zach Robinson (Achilles).

Image source, SNS

Midfielder Elliot Watt says Motherwell's Scotttish players have been having "a good laugh" with manager Jens Berthel Askou after Scotland beat Denmark to qualify for the World Cup.

Watt revealed Danish manager Askou was "licking his wounds" after Tuesday night's defeat having talked up his national side's chances.

"He was trying to give us a bit before the game saying that we'll need luck on our side," Watt said.

"And then he came in licking his wounds and weren't too happy, so the boys gave him a bit back.

"So it's been a good laugh but ultimately it was a good result for us and not a good result for him so we've let him know about it."

Watt has played for Scotland at youth level alongside Billy Gilmour and is hoping he can catch Steve Clarke's eye over the coming months.

"It's been something I've thought about since I first made the squads at under-15 level," the 25-year-old added.

"To go all the way through the age groups and to maybe one day get a senior call-up, that would obviously be incredible.

"But the only way that comes is playing well week in, week out for Motherwell, so it's not really something I've given too much thought to.

"I need to keep improving and raising my levels every week for Motherwell."

Image source, SNS

Motherwell's Danish manager Jens Berthel Askou expressed his delight for Scotland despite his country being denied automatic World Cup qualification by Steve Clarke's side.

Askou attended Hampden on Tuesday with assistant coach Max Rogers and some members of the Fir Park club's board.

The former Norwich defender watched an incredible occasion unfold as the Scots came out on top in an astonishing finale to win 4-2 in a group decider.

"It was a great experience to feel the enthusiasm and the joy in the stadium," the Well boss said.

"I'm really happy on Scotland's behalf, and everyone here who is passionate about the national team.

"I think there's a lot of people who are that, so I'm really happy for you that you qualified."

Askou says his primary focus is on Motherwell but believes it is important his players dream of being able to represent their nation at the World Cup.

Elliot Watt has been one of the standout midfielders in the Scottish Premiership this season and has represented Scotland at youth level.

So too has on-loan Celtic defender Stephen Welsh, while Stephen O'Donnell and Paul McGinn have won senior caps.

And Elijah Just is a regular for New Zealand, who will join Scotland at next summer's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"I think all players, staff as well, dream of getting to the next level," Askou added.

"And for the players, obviously the World Cup is the biggest tournament you can participate in, so it's a massive thing for people to strive for.

"I hope many of them get that opportunity. Eli has a good chance. We also have some of the Australian boys who might have an opportunity.

"So obviously with the World Cup coming up, the dream is right there for them to see, and especially the Scottish guys."

Image source, SNS

Manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media before his Motherwell side travel to face Kilmarnock in the Premiership on Saturday.

Here are the key lines:

• The Dane attended Hampden on Wednesday with assistant coach Max Rogers and some members of the Motherwell board.

• Despite his country suffering defeat on an incredible occasion, he says he is "really happy" for Scotland and the match was a "great experience to feel the enthusiasm and joy".

• On whether Scotland's qualification will inspire his Scottish players: "Possibly, but our main focus is here. Hopefully some will eventually be good enough to play for their country. Some of them are already."

• "All players and staff dream of getting to the next level," Askou adds. "Hopefully some of them will have the opportunity [to go to the World Cup]. The dream is there for them to see."

• Askou confirms Motherwell played a behind-closed-doors friendly last Wednesday: "It was a really good game for us and for the guys who haven't played many minutes."

• With a hectic schedule on the way, Askou says "we will see the benefit of us using the [international] breaks well" going forward.

• Motherwell's international players have all arrived back fit and well, but New Zealand winger Elijah Just was given Thursday off because of jetlag.

• Askou says Stephen O'Donnell will hopefully return to full training on Friday, but Andy Halliday is a doubt for the trip to Rugby Park.

• On Kilmarnock, who are on a five-game losing run, the Dane says he is still expecting to face a "dangerous" side who are "really good in moments of games".

Image source, SNS

• Although Kilmarnock have only lost one of their past seven league meetings with Motherwell (W2 D4), they are winless in the latest two (D1 L1).

• Motherwell are winless in six away league games at Kilmarnock (D2 L4) since a 1-0 victory in February 2021 under Graham Alexander.

• Kilmarnock have lost five in a row - the longest ongoing losing streak by any side in this season's top flight. It's Killie's longest in the division since February 2021 (eight in a row).

• Motherwell have lost just two of their 11 Scottish Premiership matches this season (W3 D6), their fewest amount of defeats at this stage of a top-flight season since 2009-10 (P11 W4 D6 L1).

• Motherwell have dropped 12 points from winning positions this season, three more than any other team. The Steelmen have opened the scoring in five league matches, going on to win just two (D2 L1).