Johansson's Gritty Display Pleases Davidson
Motherwell's Alfred Johansson has started the new season in fine style, with his team's 2-1 win over Hibernian on Sunday being their third victory on the spin. The Swede has been praised for his ability to foster a 'family' atmosphere within the team, with former St Johnstone and Queen's Park manager Callum Davidson impressed by their mentality and commitment.
What happened?
In the second-half onslaught from the hosts, Motherwell stood firm, led defensively by summer recruit Martin Moormann. The Nigerian attacking midfielder Ibrahim Said scored a brilliant winner on the break, with Alex Lowry playing a neat one-two with Said, releasing Dylan Williams down the left and he squared it to Said, who slotted into the bottom corner and wheeled away towards a jubilant away end.
Why it matters for Motherwell
The recruitment done so far certainly appears to be astute, with Moormann and fellow centre-back Jake Girdwood-Reich particularly impressive. Those new players have plugged the gaps left, while combining with proven performers like Said and academy talents such as Mikey Booth, who started both legs against HB Torshavn. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the fast start to the new season, Motherwell are clearly enjoying these early weeks under Johansson.
What comes next?
Motherwell's good periods at Easter Road got no better than the decisive goal, as they sliced Hibs open with slick one-touch passing. The group was so together, it still feels the same, Johansson said. The team's good periods look really good, but they want those periods to be longer, Johansson added. Motherwell's next fixture is against Dundee at home on December 19, 2026, with the team currently 16 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian in the title race.
Johansson fosters 'family' atmosphere built by Askou
Johansson pointed out eight players were making their Motherwell league debuts in Sunday's win - five of them from the start. To show that kind of commitment and team spirit this early, all the credit to the players, Johansson said. The recruitment done so far certainly appears to be astute, with Moormann and fellow centre-back Jake Girdwood-Reich particularly impressive. Those new players have plugged the gaps left, while combining with proven performers like Said and academy talents such as Mikey Booth, who started both legs against HB Torshavn.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in Premiership, 54 pts, 14W-12D-7L from 33 games, recent form LLDLL. Goals this season: 52 scored, 29 conceded (+23 goal difference). Motherwell's next fixture is against Dundee at home on December 19, 2026, with the team currently 16 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian in the title race.
