Key Points
Stephen O'Donnell believes a first‑goal advantage at the Europa Park Stadium on Thursday could give Motherwell the best chance to overturn the 3‑1 deficit from the first leg against Freiburg. He stresses that an early goal would “put the tie back in the balance” and that anything could happen once the Steelmen are ahead.
The match is a Conference League play‑off, with the winner advancing to the group stage. Freiburg, managed by Alfred Johansson, won the first leg 3‑1 at home, with Regan Charles‑Cook scoring the early goal for Motherwell before Martin Moormann was sent off.
O'Donnell points out the financial gulf – “£5 million, they have £50 million” – but says the team is accustomed to playing against bigger clubs, citing recent strong performances against Rangers.
Team Dynamics
O'Donnell says the Steelmen are “used to playing against set‑ups like that” and that they have a brand and style they are sticking to. He notes that the squad was patched up for the first leg, with right‑back Jake Girdwood‑Reich missing due to injury. The team had to “roll boys out” and manage minutes because they are “threadbare”.
He also mentions that Paul McGinn, the captain, was out, and that the team hopes to “push training and encourage the boys” in his absence.
The manager stresses the importance of not just competing but being better, stating that they want to “frustrate” Freiburg and “get a goal” early. He believes that if they can score early, “anything can happen” and that is the objective.
Injury Update
Jake Girdwood‑Reich suffered a knee injury in a pre‑season match against Aarhus. He was left “bemused” by the injury but is ready to start if called upon in Germany. He says he will try to work hard and give everything going into the match.
O'Donnell acknowledges that the team has been hit by fines for a number of UEFA violations, but he remains focused on the upcoming game.
The Steelmen will be ready for the match on Thursday at the Europa Park Stadium.
