Motherwell

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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."

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• 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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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).

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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."

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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."

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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".

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• 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).

We asked for your views on what one thing you would change at Motherwell.

Here's what some of you said:

James: Motherwell are playing unbelievable football with no end product. A striker who could score 20 goals or more must be a top priority. A top-six finish would be guaranteed.

George: A willingness to shoot. We have scored a couple of cracking goals this season from outside the box, but they are standouts simply because they are rarities. Our style is wonderful to watch, but we seem to be too focused on always passing into the six-yard box and not taking responsibility for shooting.

Chris: A lot to be excited about, but for me we lack a presence up front with Apostolos Stamatelopoulos on his own. We either need to change formation and pair him with someone, or replace him with someone else.

Callum: It would be nice if Jens Berthel Askou would start to get some more of the academy boys into the team. They've had a smattering of minutes this season and none have made an appearance since the cup game against St Johnstone.

George: Mixed feelings on the possession style of football. It is often quite cumbersome and unproductive but on some occasions absolutely brilliant. What it lacks ultimately however is a genuine penalty-box striker. If we had one our points total would be more in keeping with the domination we have in most matches.

Stephen: To watch the football we play this season is very pleasing on the eye. We pass the ball around brilliantly and have outplayed most teams in the league but where we are lacking is in front of goal. I'm not convinced with our strikers, they never seem to be in the right place to put the ball in the net. If we had a proven goalscorer we'd certainly have more points. Also goalkeeper wise we could do better. Calum Ward has made too many costly mistakes already.

Jens Berthel Askou has already proved a breath of fresh air at Fir Park.

Fans have bought into the Dane's attractive, possession-based style of play and Motherwell currently occupy sixth place in the Premiership.

The League Cup semi-final loss to St Mirren was a painful blow, but optimism remains over the club's progress under the new head coach.

The international break provides the chance to pause for breath and reflect after a frenetic few months at Fir Park.

So, if you could change one thing about Well's season so far, what would it be?

Let us know here.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

"Think fast, play fast, move fast." It sounds like a slogan from a sports brand.

But this wasn't thrashed out by PR executives hoping to inspire the sale of their overpriced clothing range.

The quote comes from Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou after his side's latest Scottish Premiership draw.

He sees quick thinking as a potential weapon and it certainly worked on Sunday against Aberdeen. A promptly-taken corner almost caught out scorer Elijah Just never mind the Aberdeen defence.

Askou said the move didn't come from the training ground, but the thought process is something he has been working on with his players. "Fast thinking" is his message.

With 11 games played, Motherwell are a third of the way to the split. They occupy sixth place but with 15 points, they're only three points off third.

Their league record of three wins, six draws and two defeats is respectable. And they've been picking up plenty of plaudits for playing style.

However, given their intensity and frequent superior possession, Askou might be frustrated at some of those draws.

At St Mirren in August Motherwell had 66.5% possession, while at home to Kilmarnock later that month it was 73.6%, and away to Dundee it was 65.6%. Yet in all those games they managed just one shot more on target than their opponents.

It was a similar story against Aberdeen at the weekend. Motherwell had far more of the ball but three shots on target compared to the Dons' two.

Of course coming from behind to take a point gives things a different complexion.

But Askou will be hoping for more in front of goal from his side, and the international break offers the opportunity to work on that sharpness.

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Former Motherwell left-back Jim Paterson has replaced Richard Foster as the club's head of academy coaching.

Motherwell say ex-Rangers and Aberdeen defender Foster, who joined the club in March 2023, has left to "explore opportunities elsewhere".

Paterson, who played over 100 games for Motherwell as a player after making his debut in 2004, says "it feels like I'm coming home".

"Fir Park is a special place to me and I feel proud to have been trusted with this key role at the football club," the 46-year-old added.

"Motherwell has a reputation for producing our own talent. It's an exciting time to be working here too.

"The manager has been implementing a brand new style of football with the first team and it's an opportunity to learn that approach.

"The young players can develop so much using this style and I look forward to working with all of them."

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

After four-and-a-half years as the head of women's and girls' football at Motherwell, Paul Brownlie is taking his final bow.

For those unfamiliar with our women's team, Brownlie has brought on both our girls' academy and women's first team leaps and bounds.

From struggling to stay afloat in SWPL1 to two cup semi-finals at Hampden, the 48-year-old has transformed the Women of Steel since taking the reins in 2021.

We also achieved our first top-six finish in history thanks to Brownlie last season and under his guidance more Motherwell players are progressing to Scotland youth caps.

I am very sad to see him go. Having interviewed him previously, he is a gentleman and one of the most down-to-earth coaches I've spoken with.

Brownlie's efforts at Motherwell are appreciated and he can leave the club with head held high.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Elijah Just is hopeful Motherwell will discover a cutting edge and says putting the ball in the net is the "little back lacking" for the Steelmen.

New Zealand winger Just scored the equaliser on Sunday as Jens Berthel Askou's side drew 1-1 with Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the Scottish Premiership.

Not for the first time time this season, Motherwell dominated for large spells and arguably failed to get the reward their good play merited.

"We want to win every game and we believe the way we are playing is going to give us the best chance," Just said.

"There is still a little bit lacking but that is the most difficult part of football, scoring the goals. We will continue to work and hopefully we will improve and score more goals.

"We do believe that we just need to keep working and it will come."

A lot of eyes were on Motherwell and how they would react to their sobering 4-1 Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat by St Mirren at Hampden the week before.

"It was a disappointing result last week," Just said. "We had a lot of fans go and we don't like to lose and definitely not in the way we did, so it was important that we showed up [against Aberdeen] and showed our mentality."

The point at Pittodrie means Motherwell are sixth in the table going in to the international break.

"The league table doesn't lie," Just said. "In the middle is probably how we feel about our performances.

"We have played well in patches, a lot of control over a lot of games but we haven't quite been able to get over the line so at the moment we are still pushing, we want to move up the table, it is a long season so there is plenty of time."

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 1-1 draw against Aberdeen on Sunday.

Here's what some of you said:

Fraser: Very disappointing result only emphasised by Hibs beating St Mirren 3-0 the Saturday after the semi. We should have done this. There was a lack of passion and energy in front of a huge Motherwell support. Only Callum Hendry and Callum Slattery, when they came on, showed what we needed to win a game. Learn from this, sort the wrongs and play for the badge.

Kevin: Hopefully the January window can help the manager find the missing links that are costing us a fantastic season. Playing beautiful football without ever really looking like scoring is hard to stomach.