Motherwell defender Emmanuel Longelo is confident the Steelmen can replicate last season’s success despite significant summer changes. The club, who finished fourth in the Premiership with 54 points (14W-12D-7L), are set to face HB in the second leg of their Conference League qualifier, holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg.
What’s changed at Motherwell this summer?
The Steelmen have undergone a transformation, with new manager Alfred Johansson at the helm and fresh signings like Alex Paulsen, Martin Moormann, and Jake Girdwood-Reich. Longelo acknowledges the changes but remains optimistic, stating, 'The players who left did an incredible job, but the new signings are just as good.' The team’s recent form (LLDLL) hasn’t dampened their European ambitions.
Why is this European tie crucial?
Motherwell’s 2-0 advantage is a strong position, but Johansson has warned his players to expect a tough battle. HB haven’t lost a home European game in five years, and Longelo describes the challenge as a 'war.' The Steelmen are determined to progress, with Longelo emphasizing, 'We worked hard to earn this European football, and we won’t take it lightly.'
Who’s key to Motherwell’s success?
Top scorer Tawanda Maswanhise’s return from injury is a major boost. Longelo praises his impact, saying, 'Everyone knows what he did last season.' The team’s defensive solidity (29 goals conceded last season) will also be vital. With their next fixture against Celtic on December 26, 2026, Motherwell are focused on securing European progression first.
