Motherwell

Alfred Johansson has urged his Motherwell side to focus on the things they can control as they look to overturn a 3-1 deficit and reach the UEFA Conference League group stage. “The message has been that this week we’re going to try to do our thing,” said the Swede. “When we do our thing, that’s when we are at our best. The main thing is that we need to stay true to ourselves as much as possible. “The mindset is that whenever we play a game of football, we want to perform to the best of our ability, with our style of play at the forefront of our minds. That’s what we’re here to do, to be as good as we can.” The Steelmen made a dream start in the first leg, with Regan Charles-Cook sending the home support into raptures after converting Emmanuel Longelo’s cross. However, a double from World Cup winner Matthias Ginter, a header from Keisuke Goto, and a red card for Martin Moormann left Johansson’s side with a mountain to climb heading into the return leg in Germany. But after giving last season’s Europa League finalists a serious scare, Johansson has called on his players to show bravery at the Europa-Park Stadion. “Sometimes I think people tend to put more emphasis on the result than on what we do ourselves,” he said. “Obviously, we want to do well and achieve great results, but we know that what we can control are our performances and behaviours on the pitch. “It’s about recognising that we can perform at a very high level and striving to reach that standard as often as possible. We don’t want to become overly cautious, sit deep, or try to protect ourselves during periods of the game. “We want to be brave.” Johansson was also asked about LASK’s miraculous five-goal comeback against Scottish champions Celtic on Tuesday. While he acknowledged that such stories could provide inspiration, his focus remains firmly on his own team. “There are millions of stories throughout football history that you can draw inspiration from if you want to, absolutely,” he added. “But I think we’re better off focusing on what we have to do. “The players and staff all believe we have a lot of quality, and we believe we have the capacity to do well. That’s where our focus is.”

Motherwell have called for improved fan behaviour ahead of their Europa League second-leg tie against Freiburg, revealing that several off-field antics have cost the club nearly €100,000 in fines. Around 1,500 travelling fans are expected in Germany to support the Steelmen against last season’s Europa League finalists. While Motherwell face an uphill battle trailing 3-1 from the first leg, the trip marks a major milestone in a campaign already highlighted by memorable victories over HJK Helsinki and Havnar Bóltfelag. However, those celebrations have come at a steep price. Several supporter-led incidents, including damage to an advertising board in Finland while celebrating Tawanda Maswanhise’s 64th-minute penalty, have landed the club with over €74,000 in UEFA sanctions for individual match violations alone. “What a few weeks it has been for Motherwell Football Club,” the statement begins on the website. “The number of supporters attending matches at Fir Park, on the road domestically and in Europe has been exceptional. Indeed, for the last 12 months crowd numbers have been significantly up, and we can’t thank you enough for all of your support. The players and staff will never, ever take for granted the effort it takes for you to follow the team. “With over 1,400 Motherwell fans preparing to jet off to Germany later this week, the excitement is high for what will be an excellent trip for everyone to make memories on the continent with their friends and family. “However, as we stated last week, the club received fines of almost €20,000 for fan-related issues that had been flagged by UEFA. “We were fined €4,000 due to the blocking of passageways in the John Hunter Stand at Fir Park against Havnar Boltfelag. “In Helsinki against HJK, we were fined €15,000 for a group of Motherwell supporters who leapt over the barrier and LED advertising before entering the field of play. “The last time we played in European competition, we also received two fines for fan-related incidents. “Since communicating these recent fines, the club has received the cost of the repair work that HJK require for their LED advertisement boards. It is estimated that this will cost the club over €74,000. “Between this and the UEFA fines, we have already incurred fines / costs of close to €100,000 this season. “We are not targeting a specific group of supporters or anyone in particular for these matters, but if you know you jumped over the barrier, or even worse, entered the field of play, you know who you are. “And we’re asking you to please restrain yourself should another celebratory moment arise. This moment created a lot of uncertainty, and the safety of the fans was compromised, as anyone could have been injured. “Last week during our home match at Fir Park against SC Freiburg, despite our calls for everyone to remain in the stands, UEFA flagged supporters jumping over the wall from the John Hunter Stand. “Even one supporter entering the field of play is regarded by UEFA as a pitch incursion, and this is subject to an ongoing disciplinary decision. A second offence results in a minimum penalty of a further €24,000. “We fully appreciate how big these moments are, and we can all get a bit carried away. But such behaviour is taking things too far, and it’s causing a financial strain on the football club, as well as the further risk of harsher punishments growing. T”he club has previously received fines, costs of damage to away stadiums and suspended ticket sanctions for other fan-related issues domestically. These have totalled almost £15,000 in recent seasons. We therefore need everyone to continue supporting the team, but in a responsible and safe manner. “Please don’t be the person who causes stadium damage or brings further sanctions/fines on the club. We want more people to be in the stands, not less. “So, with this in mind, the football club would like to wish everyone a safe trip to Freiburg. We cannot wait to see a sea of claret and amber in the away end on Thursday night and throughout the day. “Everyone to Freiburg.” Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Thursday’s return fixture is a steep test for Alfred Johansson’s men. But while Motherwell will aim for a memorable upset on the pitch, the club is equally desperate for an improved performance in the stands.

Motherwell have confirmed the signing of striker Seb Palmer-Houlden from Gillingham for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old has signed a two-year contract, with the Steelmen holding the option of an additional year. Keen Scottish Premiership fans will remember Palmer-Houlden from his loan spell at Dundee in 2024-25, scoring nine goals in 39 appearances for Tony Docherty’s side. He announced himself to the Dark Blues with a Derby Day equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Tannadice. Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson hopes to have the attacker available for Thursday’s crunch European tie with Freiburg. “We’ve been looking to strengthen in the forward areas and Seb is a perfect addition,” manager Alfred Johansson said. “With experience here in Scotland, Seb has been playing and scoring at his previous clubs and offers pace, strength and versatility in the forward line.” Palmer-Houlden added that he was delighted to be back in the Scottish top flight. “I’m so happy to be back in Scotland and, most importantly, at Motherwell,” he said. “It’s no secret how well this club is doing right now. Speaking to the manager, he’s made it clear what he wants me to do and that clarity is so important. “I think every footballer would want to play in a team like this, so I feel really privileged to be given this opportunity.”

Lukas Fadinger is relishing Thursday’s European showdown against last year’s Europa League finalists, Freiburg, and wants Motherwell to “stick to our principles” despite the massive challenge ahead. Having already overcome HB Torshavn and HJK Helsinki to reach the UEFA Conference League playoffs, Motherwell are hoping for another electric atmosphere under the lights at Fir Park. “You see it in one game. If you’re fighting, if you give everything in the duels, there’s always a chance to win those games,” Fadinger said. “We know if we have a good day, we can compete against a lot of teams in Europe, and that gives us a push. Even though it’s a very tough opponent on Thursday, we think we have a chance if we stick to our principles.” The Austrian midfielder is thoroughly enjoying his first taste of European football and believes that, when at their best, the Steelmen are a match for any side, emphasising: “In football, everything is possible.” Although Motherwell suffered a shock defeat to Stenhousemuir in the second round of the League Cup, Fadinger is backing his side to respond and build upon their otherwise strong start to the campaign. “They fully deserved to win,” Fadinger said. “We need to take it. It’s a hard blow, but we go again on Thursday. Of course, it’s a big loss, but we keep looking forward. I think we have still had a good start so far, and we just keep on going.”

Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson has urged his side to “excite” the Fir Park faithful as they prepare for their crucial second-leg clash against HJK Helsinki. Victory would secure a mouthwatering UEFA Conference League play-off tie with Bundesliga side Freiburg, who reached the Europa League final last season. With the tie finely poised at 1-1, Johansson is expecting another stern test from the Finnish outfit. Motherwell and HJK head into Thursday’s Conference League third qualifying round second leg level after last week’s 1-1 draw in Finland. Tawanda Maswanhise handed the Steelmen a priceless lead from the penalty spot before veteran striker Teemu Pukki produced a superb equaliser for the hosts. Reflecting on the first-leg performance, Johansson was pleased with his side’s response after the break. “In the second half we were more fearless and more aggressive,” he said. “Sometimes you have to manage the momentum of the game, and that’s what we did. Now we must be strong. “But we are at Fir Park, with all of our people there, and we want to excite them and play our way. We think that’s the best way to get the result we need. “It’s different and special when you play European games. They’re played later at night, and there’s just another feeling around the place.” Ahead of the tie, Motherwell confirmed the signing of Republic of Ireland midfielder Joe Hodge from Portuguese side Tondela for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old made his senior international debut for Ireland in June 2026, and Johansson expressed his delight after securing the midfielder’s signature, although Hodge will not be available in time to face Helsinki. “Absolutely buzzing to have him here,” Johansson added. “Joe is a very exciting young midfielder. He is mainly a number six in our system, but he can also play in a box-to-box role. We primarily see him operating as a six. “Joe represents what the number six position has evolved into over the last five years. He has quality on the ball, but he also has the mobility required for the modern game. We believe it’s a perfect match. “It’s super important to strengthen this area after losing some players. We are a club that needs to identify potential where it may have been overlooked.” Motherwell v HJK Helsinki (1-1) 7:30pm 13th Aug – Fir Park