Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson has called for a collective improvement to help striker Tawanda Maswanhise rediscover his scoring touch. The Zimbabwean international, who netted 17 times to become the Premiership's top scorer last season, has found the net just once in the club's opening six league matches this term.
Johansson's comments follow a 2-1 defeat away to Dundee on Saturday, a result that leaves Motherwell ninth in the Premiership with eight points from seven games. The manager pointed directly to the team's overall play as the key to unlocking Maswanhise's potential. "The team needs to play better," Johansson said. "If we play better, then he will play better and he will have more end product, as simple as that."
A slow start
The 2026-27 campaign has been a struggle for the Fir Park side. After finishing fourth last season, they have managed only two wins and have conceded 11 goals. Their recent form reads three consecutive losses, including a 4-0 home defeat to Aberdeen and a narrow 1-0 loss at Rangers, before the weekend's reverse at Dens Park.
Alex Lowry's goal just before half-time against Dundee provided a brief response to Joe Westley's penalty and Bradley Fink's strike, but it wasn't enough. The team's build-up play, pressing, and defensive organisation have all been identified as areas requiring significant work.
Supporting the striker
Maswanhise's dry spell extends back to early March, with only two goals in his last 17 league appearances. This contrasts sharply with his prolific form last year, which was instrumental in Motherwell's strong finish. Johansson's message is clear: the responsibility lies with the entire squad to create the chances the forward thrives on. The manager noted that the team's goal minutes this season stand at 453, a figure that needs to improve to support their main attacking threat.
The manager, who oversaw a rocky start last season before steering the team to safety and then a fourth-place finish, knows the importance of a cohesive unit. The memory of a last-gasp winner against Livingston that helped avoid a bottom-place finish is a reminder of what the team is capable of when they click.
With the international break now underway, the focus turns to preparation for a daunting next assignment. Motherwell host league leaders Celtic at Fir Park on October 11. The squad will use the time to work on the issues highlighted by their manager, aiming to provide a better platform for their main goal threat. The full squad list is available as Johansson considers his options for that match.
More detail at The National Scot
Manager Alfred Johansson said two goalkeeping errors cost his side in the 2-1 defeat at Dundee on September 19. The club's verified data shows they have now lost three consecutive league games. Alex Lowry scored their consolation goal, assisted by Tom Sparrow, just before half-time. Motherwell have scored nine goals and conceded 11 this season. They host league leaders Celtic on October 11.
Motherwell's 2-1 defeat at Dundee on September 19 leaves them ninth in the Premiership with eight points from seven games. The club's verified data shows they had 61% possession and 15 shots but only four were on target. Alex Lowry scored their consolation goal, assisted by Tom Sparrow, just before half-time. Manager Alfred Johansson said two goalkeeping errors cost his side. They have now lost three consecutive league games and host league leaders Celtic on October 11.
