Motherwell

Chris Bertram
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

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Jens Berthel Askou has drilled his players on their shape out of possession during the international break because the Motherwell manager believes they have conceded more goals this season than their dominance of possession merited.

Askou, who took over at Fir Park in June, praised his players for taking his possession-based, counter-pressing philosophy into games.

But the former IFK Goteborg coach says their eagerness to win the ball back has left them too open to attacks from sides that should not cause them problems.

Motherwell have drawn all four of their Scottish Premiership games - two were against Rangers and Hearts - but a win on Saturday against second-bottom Dundee could take them to third place.

The Dane has been working during the international break on ensuring his side's play gets the points he feels it deserves.

"We have zoomed in on some tactical details that we need to improve - it's been a good couple of weeks," he said.

"We have had a positive start but we want to improve some phases. We've been a little bit too open because we've been extremely eager to win the ball back, especially in some of the games we've dominated possession.

"So the defensive phase has just been counter-pressing, basically, which has sometimes led to unstructured defensive situations that has caused some chances against us that we shouldn't concede.

"We've been working a little bit on how to sharpen that up. So we don't give big chances away unnecessarily against teams who struggle to produce big chances against us when we're well structured.

"We have had a little bit too much xG against us given the dominance and the control we feel that we have had through most of the games."

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Scottish Premiership game against Dundee.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He says the international break was a chance to "push some players a little bit fitness-wise, for some to recover a little, and for the opportunity to zoom in on some tactical details that we need to improve".

• Askou says one of the aspects he has been working on is structure out of possession, because the side's eagerness to win the ball back in a counter-press "sometimes led to unstructured defensive situations that has caused some chances against us we shouldn't concede".

• The Danish boss believes there is room for improvement in terms of creating more chances and converting them, and is hopeful Apostolos Stamatelopoulos "will be the one finishing off most of the attacks".

• Askou - who made 11 signings - is "really pleased with the transfer window" and has been impressed with how new players and staff have made effort to build new relations.

• He says it will be a great feeling to get a first league win on Saturday but the "project doesn't stop if they don't get it and it won't be complete if they do".

• The boss believes new signing Stephen Welsh will bring "quality, experience from a high level and an eagerness to learn and develop" and that he will be a "very good character around the dressing room".

• Askou expects Dundee will be a difficult game because "we don't get anything for free" even though they are "a team that hasn't had the best start".

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

The international break probably came at the right time for Motherwell. While unbeaten in the league, their last couple of results were frustrating to say the least.

Following the draw against Kilmarnock last time out, manager Jens Berthel Askou admitted the team should have finished the game off given their dominance and were "gutted" not to win.

Not the best feeling, but one the Dane believes demonstrates the ambition at the club. No doubt he'll have used the past 10 days to impress that upon his players, while also taking to the training pitch to put those not away on international duty through their paces.

With the deadline-day arrival of Celtic loanee Stephen Welsh taking the club's summer signings up to 11, that will be beneficial. Getting players not just up to speed, but more attuned to what he's looking for in style of play.

That will be put to the test this weekend with the return of competitive action. Motherwell visit Dundee in the Premiership followed by an away trip to Aberdeen in the quarter-finals of the League Cup.

Askou will be hoping his side can deliver that elusive win, after four draws in the league, and he maybe couldn't have handpicked better opposition.

Dundee have only mustered two points in the league, while Aberdeen have also struggled and sit bottom on zero points, although they'll take confidence from the trio of late signings that bolstered their squad.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at ZTE Arena, Zalaegerszeg

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Once it was "job done" in Zalaegerszeg for Scotland, Lennon Miller's attention had already switched back to his new life at Udinese.

The teenager made the move from Motherwell last month and though he is still working his way back after missing a chunk of pre-season, the midfielder is being kept busy... Becoming an adult.

Whether it's finding flats, cars, or the words to order a coffee, Miller is making moves on and off the pitch in Italy.

"I'm really enjoying it," he said after a late cameo in Scotland's 2-0 win against Belarus in Hungary.

"Obviously I've only been there a few weeks and I'm kind of settling in, so I need to find places, I need to find cars, I need to do all that stuff.

"It takes time but hopefully that gets sorted soon. I've learned a lot on and off the pitch - even living by myself."

Miller is just the latest Scot to settle in Serie A and he highlighted the importance - and weirdness - of having national team players such as Scott McTominay and Che Adams around him.

"I've struck up a good friendship with the Italy-based boys," he added.

"It'll be weird playing against them but it's one I'm really looking forward to.

"I need to catch up with a bit of fitness because I missed a wee bit of pre-season, so need to catch up on that and then hopefully we can kick on."

And the Italian?

"I've not started lessons yet but I want to learn the language, that's one of the reasons I came here.

"You pick up loads in training every day, so I'm getting there and hopefully I can start lesson soon."

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Emmanuel Longelo's second half striker against Kilmarnock last weekend made it three goals from four games for the Motherwell left-back.

In fact, only Dundee United winger Ivan Dolcek has found the back of the net more this season than the Motherwell defender, and the 24-year-old looks a real threat going forward.

Since joining Motherwell from Birmingham City in July, Longelo has made a real impact at Fir Park.

Longelo is averaging a goal every 120 minutes, the most of any Motherwell player, and has a shooting accuracy of 100 per cent. He's also had five shots, four of which have been on target, and a perfect big chance conversion rate.

The left-back has generated an expected goals of 1.06 with an expected goals on target of 1.89. Plus his expected assists of 0.61 is bettered only by Callum Slattery.

Defensively he's also done well. He's won five of seven tackles he's made and has made 12 clearances.

Longelo's faced 50 shots, six on target, and has made four interceptions, only Elliot Watt has made more this season.

It looks like Motherwell have unearthed a gem

We asked for your views on Motherwell's business in the summer transfer window under new boss Jens Berthel Askou.

Here's what some of you said:

Gary: Been a lot of really good signings in all areas of the pitch but the goalkeeper is a concern. Calum Ward has cost us four points in the last two games. If Askou doesn't rate Aston Oxborough then he should have signed a replacement.

Stephen: So impressed with how Askou is able to clearly identify a problem area, do his homework, and swiftly bring in a solution. Regan Charles-Cook and Stephen Welsh are prime examples. Best transfer window I have seen in years, in Askou we trust!

Derek: I certainly didn't think we would see as many as 12 players come in during the window. The vast majority of the players we have brought have been of very good quality, one of our best windows for a long time. Signing Welsh capped off what we needed at the back and fits into the manager's style of play.

Craig: Delightful football being played by Motherwell these days and all the new signings have improved the team overall. Looking really strong for the season ahead with the Fir Park faithful's expectation now raised to a new level. Just hope the poor goalkeeping of late doesn't come back to haunt us, I think we should have added an experienced keeper to the squad.

Dillon: Excellent window, the new signings look the part in this exciting new era at Motherwell. Elijah Just, Lukas Fadinger and Elliot Watt look to be exceptional and the biggest compliment I can give them is that we don't miss Lennon Miller in midfield. On that note great business for the club and hope he goes on and has a successful career.

Adam: With the start to the season I'm happy, a little disappointed we haven't been able to close out the last two games. I believe we have had a great transfer window covering all positions and now bringing in Welsh will hopefully set us up for a great season.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

It is now done and dusted. The transfer window is closed.

The difference in this year's signings compared to last year is night and day. Now we have have exciting and young talent strengthening the squad.

The main transfer people will talk about is the departure of Lennon Miller, but I want to shine a light on some of the new faces.

The signings of Regan Charles-Cook, Callum Hendry and Emmanuel Longelo excite me the most. Now we have started spending money on players and properly investing in our squad you can see it is paying off.

Jens Berthel Askou joining the club when he did is without doubt the reason why we have had such a successful window. The gaps have been plugged where we were lacking, we just need that first league win.

I'm confident that after the international break we will be winning games and securing a semi-final trip to Hampden.

Motherwell signed centre-back Stephen Welsh on a season-long loan from Scottish Premiership rivals Celtic on deadline day - the club's 11th signing of the summer transfer window.

Star midfielder and Scotland international Lennon Miller departed for Serie A Udinese, but Jens Berthel Askou's side have played some delightful football in the early stages of the new season and are unbeaten under their new manager.

'Well fans, are you pleased with the club's transfer business? Does it leave the squad in good shape for the season ahead - or is Askou light in certain positions?

Let us know your thoughts.

Watch all the highlights from Motherwell's dramatic draw against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

The Scottish transfer window closes at 23:00 BST on Monday 1 September so there's still time for business to be done.

What do Motherwell need to do before the window slams shut?

Have your say here

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Jens Berthel Askou is determined to keep driving standards at Motherwell as his side search for their first win of the Scottish Premiership season.

The Danish manager - who arrived at Fir Park in June - has been hailed for his team's free-flowing football.

The Steelmen were denied their first victory of the campaign at home to Kilmarnock on Saturday, after Calum Ward's late goalkeeping error allowed Stuart Kettlewell's men to snatch a point in a 2-2 draw.

And Askou believes his side have deserved more from their opening fixtures.

"I'd say that in a game like the one against Kilmarnock, we'd aim to win that nine times out of 10," he said.

"That feeling that we all had at the end is what ambition feels like. We've created ambitions on our own behalf quickly that exceeds being satisfied with a draw against Kilmarnock.

"I feel for the players and the fans that we haven't won more games.

"You would have to be very depressed by nature if you can't see the good things at Motherwell Football Club right now. There's a lot of positives and drive in and around the club which is fantastic to be a part of."

Motherwell were without influential midfielder Callum Slattery for the clash with Kilmarnock, though Askou is hopeful he will return to action soon.

"Callum had a little incident during the week. We're still assessing and will have to see early in the week how it looks."

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you said...

Mark: Another brilliant performance that was undone in the last 10 minutes. Kilmarnock were not there in the second half and somehow managed to snatch a goal from an abysmal goalkeeper error - why would he not punch it away? However, still undefeated! We move onto Dundee away.

Adam: Having watched these games and lost at least four points due to goalkeeper errors, we need to select a different goalkeeper. We can't afford to keep throwing away easy points.

Ian: Great to read the plaudits that Motherwell are getting for their style of play but they have to find a way to turn these draws into victories. Especially with arguably tougher games ahead.

John: Playing tremendous football but need to turn dominance into results. Easily could be sitting on 12 points.

Grant: Still unbeaten and again, we had a lot of the ball, but need to start getting more goals. Keeper mistake or nudge on him is a disappointment. Two weeks to get players back from injury and back to fitness and hopefully get our first league win soon.

A mistake from Motherwell goalkeeper Calum Ward helped Kilmarnock to an enthralling draw as both sides remain unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership.

Have your say on the game here.

Read the match report here.

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou suggested there was a foul on his goalkeeper for Kilmarnock's equaliser.

"We had full control and anything can happen in football," he told BBC Scotland. "If the referee sees the touch, he gives the foul. It was very subtle, then you are 2-2 in a game you should win.

"I don't think there's clear indication in the cameras. I've seen Calum [Ward] catch these balls a million times. He had control of the situation - I believe him when he says there was a touch.

"We had the opportunity to close down the game before that. It was important to see that reaction and stability on the pitch. We had to really work hard to earn our chances today.

"We've had the opportunity to get more points, but we have points in every game. There's a lot of dominance and a lot of control. We are trying to be more productive and effective."

Danish club Kolding are keen on Motherwell centre-half Kofi Balmer and the Scottish Premiership club are unlikely to stand in the 24-year-old Northern Ireland international's way. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Motherwell have defenders Johnny Koutroumbis and Liam Gordon available again and could involve new midfielder Oscar Priestman.

But Tom Sparrow remains out alongside long-term absentees Sam Nicholson, Filip Stuparevic (both knee) and Zach Robinson (Achilles).

Kilmarnock will assess Jamie Brandon's groin issue while Scott Tiffoney (calf) remains out.

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Midfielder Lukas Fadinger is enjoying Motherwell's "brave" style of play but says improvements must be made as they eye a first Premiership win of the season.

The Fir Park club have drawn their opening three games against Rangers, St Mirren and Hearts under new manager Jens Berthel Askou.

And the attacking, possession-based style of play Askou has implemented is becoming popular among supporters as well as players.

Speaking before Saturday's game with Kilmarnock, Fadinger said: "There are a lot of new players here and everyone is pleased with the style of play.

"It also suits perfectly with how I want to play. I think it's getting better and you can see on the pitch we enjoy playing football.

"It's also different to how we played in Austria. I was used to having the ball and playing football so it's not completely new for me and I'm a player who wants the ball all the time. I have settled in well and enjoy how we play.

"We did a brilliant, brilliant job for the first 60 minutes [against Hearts], but we need to improve how we protect the lead and how we bring it over the line. I think we can do it better at the weekend."

The 24-year-old has also stressed the need for bravery as Motherwell play out from the back and utilise the goalkeeper in building play deep in their half.

"Every player has to think the same way," the midfielder added.

"Mistakes can happen all the time but the important thing is you are going to be brave and still try it the next time.

"It gives you confidence if you know it works but we still need to get it over the line to win our first game."

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Motherwell full-back Ewan Wilson has joined Raith Rovers on a loan deal until January.

The 20-year-old academy graduate had a breakthrough season at Fir Park last term, making 39 appearances, and featured in four League Cup group games this summer.

"Over the summer we've added more competition in his position and see this as a great opportunity for Ewan to continue his development," said manager Jens Berthel Askou.

"He's made his transition into senior football as a promising and talented left-back and we hope that getting more minutes in a very competitive environment will push him to reach the next level."

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• Motherwell are unbeaten in their past seven home league games against Kilmarnock (W4 D3) since going down 2-0 in December 2020.

• Kilmarnock conceded more goals in their last league meeting with Motherwell, a 3-0 defeat in May, than their previous five beforehand (two). Indeed, it was their heaviest league defeat to the Steelmen since January 2010 (also 3-0).

• Both Motherwell and Kilmarnock have drawn all three of their league games this season; no side has drawn each of their opening four games of a Scottish top-flight campaign in the 21st century (Rangers could also do this on matchday four).

• Motherwell are unbeaten in six home league games (W3 D3), their longest such run since May 2015 (seven) under Ian Baraclough.

• Kilmarnock have won just one of their past 14 away league outings (D3 L10), a 2-0 victory at St Johnstone in May.

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Stuart Kettlewell insists Saturday's trip to Fir Park is about three points and not himself.

The Kilmarnock manager was in the Motherwell dugout between February 2023 and January 2025, resigning due to fan abuse.

He has guided Killie to three successive draws at the start of the new Premiership season, while Motherwell have the same league record and are yet to lose under new boss Jens Berthel Askou.

And Kettlewell wants the focus to be on the football, rather than his return.

"I've been back to an old club before," he said. "It's something that happens it football.

"The last time I saw a lot of the people that will be there was at my wedding. That gives you an indication of the relationship I had with the players and staff.

"I don't wish Motherwell any ill health or bad luck at all. I can't control what narrative people will put on [the game].

"We could all see there was a lot of support towards myself from the fanbase, the staff and the players, but we all move on.

"I want to go to try to win three points for this Kilmarnock side. I'll not get too lost in it, but I understand other people might do.

"I try to act as professional as I can. It's not about me. I hope you all know that I have never felt this is about me. I believe in being humble and not having an ego."

Scott Mullen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou says Stuart Kettlewell deserves to be treated with respect when he returns to Fir Park this weekend for the first time since leaving as boss.

The current Kilmarnock manager resigned from his Motherwell post in January, citing fan abuse towards him as results slumped.

However, Askou, who took charge this summer following Michael Wimmer's brief reign, is not concerned about emotions spilling over when the Rugby Park side visit in the Premiership on Saturday.

"I've heard that there have been things before my time here," said the Dane.

"For me, and I think it's the same for Stuart, it's a game between Motherwell and Kilmarnock. There have been games in the Scottish Premier League for many, many years.

"It's just another one. Obviously, it's maybe a little bit special for him to come back to a place that has meant a lot to him. He's been here for about two years and he's done very, very well in terms of working hard for this club.

"Now he's in Kilmarnock, coming back. What I will just say is I hope every player, coach, staff member or volunteer that leaves Motherwell and comes back in whatever role he or she comes back in, that they will be treated with the respect that they deserve.

"As I said in the beginning, it's a game against Motherwell and Kilmarnock."

In the last week Askou has recruited former Ross County striker Regan Charles-Cook and Australian midfielder Oscar Priestman.

Asked by the BBC if more would be coming in, the Motherwell manager said: "There's been a lot of change. Now it's the final pieces.

"We'll see if there's one or two new faces, or maybe we'll sharpen up the squad a little bit the other way as well."