Alfred Johansson has warned Motherwell against underestimating HB Torshavn, insisting his side must “respect” their opponents despite taking a two-goal advantage into Thursday’s second leg.
The Steelmen earned a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Faroese outfit at Fir Park last week, but Johansson is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits his players in the Faroe Islands.
HB boast an impressive record on home soil in European competition, and the Motherwell boss believes his side must be fully prepared for a demanding evening.
“You have to respect the team we’re going to play, and you have to respect the place where we’re going to play,” Johansson said.
“In the last 10 years, I believe they’ve only lost twice at home in European qualifying.
“In the last five years, they’ve not lost a single home game in European qualification, and that includes teams like Brøndby, which is a big club in Denmark. It includes Maccabi Haifa and HJK Helsinki. These are very, very big clubs.”
Scottish clubs have developed an unwanted reputation for difficult nights in European qualifiers, suffering shock defeats to sides from countries such as Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Gibraltar, and Malta. Johansson believes Motherwell must approach the match with the same intensity shown in the first leg.
“To think you’re just going to go there and grab a victory easily is fooling yourself.
“I told the guys today to go home and eat some barbed wire and prepare for the battle, because it’s going to be a battle. You’re going to have to be strong and brave to play our way.
“The intensity has to be there. Otherwise, there’s no point travelling.”
Two stunning goals from debutant Martin Moormann and midfield anchor Lukas Fadinger put Motherwell in a commanding position and a step closer to securing automatic qualification for the UEFA Conference League.
Johansson could also be handed a major boost with the return of Tawanda Maswanhise. The forward, who finished as Motherwell’s top scorer last season with 17 goals in the Scottish Premiership, is nearing a comeback after injury.
While Johansson confirmed Maswanhise is unlikely to start, he believes having the Zimbabwe international available again will provide a significant lift for the squad.
“Hopefully, it’s looking quite good for JT at this point,” Johansson said.
“He won’t start the game and he’ll wear protection, but it’s massive to have him back. What a player.
“Did you see him last season? What a player he is. It’s a massive boost for everyone.”
HB Torshavn v Motherwell
Aggr. 0-2: Leg 2 of 2
European Conference League Qualifying Round Two