Patience Urged for Motherwell Manager Johansson Amidst Early Struggles

Motherwell supporters are experiencing a dip in enthusiasm as the team navigates a challenging period under new manager Alfred Johansson, a stark contrast to the early impact of his predecessor, Jens Berthel Askou. While Johansson's tenure began with promise, including European successes and domestic wins, a recent five-game losing streak has seen the team fall to third from the bottom of the Premiership table. The Premier Sports Cup exit also continues to be a point of contention.

The current discontent is understandable, but it is being framed as premature. Historically, similar struggles have preceded periods of success; 12 months prior, Askou's side was only three points better off at the same stage of the season. The current team is also grappling with the significant departures of key players over the summer, including record-breaking goalkeeper Calum Ward, defender Stephen Welsh, and talisman Elijah Just. The task of replacing these integral figures was always formidable.

Offensive struggles have also been a factor, with Tawanda Maswahise, once a sought-after player, finding consistent form elusive. He has scored only once in the league this season, from the penalty spot. The team is reportedly creating chances but is failing to convert them, a significant issue that Johansson is working to resolve.

However, the more pressing concern for Johansson lies in defensive solidity, which was a hallmark of Askou's successful tenure. The current team is described as a 'pale imitation' in this regard, having conceded eleven goals in the league since their last victory on September 2. Significant portions of these goals were conceded in defeats to Aberdeen and Kilmarnock, with defensive lapses against Kilmarnock last Saturday being particularly highlighted.

Johansson remains steadfast in his principles, emphasizing improvement over drastic change. "I stick to my principles, we stick to our principles," he stated. "We will try to improve rather than change anything." He believes the team is on the right path, citing potential for at least three more points than they currently hold. Specific areas for improvement include defending against long balls and ensuring full alignment during pressing moments. "We are not solid enough... at Killie - in how we defended their long balls, and that’s something we need to improve. We are not 100 per cent aligned when we go into a pressing moment, and that needs to be improved," he added.

The manager's experience with adversity is drawn from his time at Rosenborg, where the team faced relegation threats before eventually finishing fourth. "We were just above the relegation zone and newspapers all over were like, ‘Rosenborg is going to go down, this is the biggest crisis ever’, and we ended fourth that season. All of a sudden, things that we had been working on clicked," he recalled.

A potential turning point could be an upcoming match against Hearts, who have also faced recent defeats. A victory could provide the spark needed for Johansson's approach to fully take hold at Fir Park.