Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson has demanded an immediate improvement in pressing and attacking balance from his players as they seek to end a damaging four-game losing streak. The Steelmen, who sit ninth in the Premiership with eight points from eight games, travel to face bottom side Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday needing a result to stop their slide.
Johansson was blunt in his assessment after the 2-0 home defeat to Celtic last time out, a result that extended a run of losses against Rangers, Aberdeen and Dundee. "We wanted to do more than what we did, that's for sure," he said. "I think we need to press with more togetherness." He also called for a greater offensive threat, adding, "I think we need to have a more offensive balance in our positioning. I think we need to fill the opponent box with more bodies."
Defending Vogt and pointing to early-season promise
Amid the criticism of the team's form, Johansson moved to defend attacker Willy Vogt, who has faced particular scrutiny. The manager backed the professional to handle the pressure himself, while also providing context for the recent struggles. He pointed to the significant squad overhaul in the summer, with eleven new arrivals, many of whom joined late in the window, and the exceptional start to the season that brought early praise. That bright opening, which included a confidence-building win away to Hibernian, feels a distant memory after four consecutive league defeats.
Injury news offers hope ahead of Kilmarnock trip
There is some positive news on the fitness front as Motherwell prepare for the trip to Ayrshire. Defender Johnny Koutroumbis is expected to be available for selection at Rugby Park, providing a timely boost. Johansson also confirmed that Oscar Priestman, Regan Charles-Cook, Paul McGinn and Cal Hendry are all making good progress in their recoveries and are nearing a return to action in the coming weeks. The gradual clearing of the treatment room offers more options for a squad whose confidence Johansson admits has taken a knock, though he praised their resilience and willingness to put things right.
Seeking to end the run against a struggling Kilmarnock side
The fixture presents a clear opportunity for Motherwell to halt their slump against a Kilmarnock side managed by Neil McCann that is itself fighting to climb off the foot of the table. The hosts have managed just one win in their last five league outings, drawing with Hearts and losing to Rangers most recently. Motherwell, however, have enjoyed recent dominance in this fixture, winning the last two encounters 4-0 in January and 3-1 last November. A victory for the visitors would lift them to 11 points and potentially back towards the top half, while a Kilmarnock win would see them move off the bottom. Alex Lowry, the team's top scorer with two goals this season, will be one they look to for inspiration.
Motherwell will look to end their four-match losing run when they visit Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday, 17 October.
More detail at Daily Record Football
