Wimmer eyes top six & 'proactive' football with Motherwell

Michael Wimmer will take charge of Motherwell for the first time on Saturday at Dundee United

New Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer insists his priority is achieving a top-six Scottish Premiership finish this season, while also implementing a change of playing style at Fir Park.

Wimmer was appointed as Stuart Kettlewell's successor on Monday and sees great potential in the players at his disposal despite their poor recent form.

The German will take charge for the first time at Dundee United on Saturday, as the Fir Park side target a first win in seven matches.

Despite that, only goal difference is currently keeping them out of the top half.

"The team is very, very interesting," said Wimmer at his unveiling.

"I'm convinced it fits to my playing style. I think it's important now to get my playing style, my ideas into the club and also to find the balance.

"It's also very important that we are successful and get points. We want to reach the top six.

"This is the balance. How to bring my ideas immediately into the team or how to adapt it slowly."

Some Motherwell fans had grown frustrated at what they felt was an unattractive playing style under the previous manager.

Wimmer wants his team to play on the front foot and get fans out of their seats.

"I want that we play proactive football," the former Austria Vienna coach said. "Try to play with our principles. Try to be dominant with high ball wins.

"My building blocks are from control, dynamic, to be goal orientated and bring energy into the club. Energy and atmosphere also to the fans.

"It's a traditional club and a traditional club needs intensity."

Wimmer avoided any specific conversation on the circumstances surrounding Kettlewell's departure, with the previous manager citing personal abuse as part of his reason to resign.

"I'm not in a position to talk about this," he said. "This is the past and it's not my topic. I'm looking forward and I'd like to have good connections to the fans.

"I think if I work 24/7 for the club then, yeah, I think it could work. I think it's very important that the relationship with the team and the club and the fans has been tight here and there was togetherness.

"Many things are possible and if the groups are split, it's always dangerous and dangerous to get good results."