Motherwell determined to achieve 'something big'
TL;DR
Motherwell aims for a fourth-place finish in the league as they face Hibs, who are just one point behind. Manager Jens Berthel Askou emphasizes the importance of moving past the recent VAR controversy.
Key points
- Motherwell seeks fourth place in the league.
- They face Hibs, who are one point behind.
- Manager Jens Berthel Askou addresses VAR controversy.
Mentioned in this story
Jens Berthel Askou insists there is no Motherwell hangover from the midweek VAR controversy as his side look to secure a fourth-place finish on Saturday.
The Steelmen travel to Easter Road to face Hibs, who lurk one point behind, in a shootout for guaranteed European football.
Manager Askou and his players were furious at the injury-time penalty awarded for a perceived Sam Nicholson handball in midweek as Celtic snatched a 3-2 win at Fir Park.
"We have to move on," said Askou. "We have so little time in between the games now and we can't say that this game tomorrow is less important than what we played the other night.
"That's the nature of this business, you have to deal with emotions straight away and put them behind you and then focus on what's coming."
"I think the boys and the staff have been excellent at that."
Motherwell have received many plaudits for their style of play this season, but Askou wants his players to "achieve something big for this club".
"Now we have a really good opportunity on finishing fourth, which will give us a ticket to Europe for sure, which will be the highest position in the league since 2013-14 for this club, besides the Covid season that was not fully done," he said.
"That would be a massive achievement for us, especially taking into consideration that there was a big rebuild of the squad and the staff and a lot of new things implemented in the summer.
"They're [the players] just excited and ready. I'm confident and positive they will demonstrate that one more time. Obviously there's a massive determination to go and achieve something."
Askou says Nicholson is "absolutely fine" after being at the centre of the spot-kick storm.
"He did everything right in the situation," the Well boss said.
"He tried to clear the ball, he headed it away. There was a little bit of contact which the opposition player overplayed.
"I would not ask him not to go and clear the ball with his head in the 95th minute. We need that tomorrow. I would ask him to do exactly the same and then hope and pray for the guys responsible to get that right."
Q&A
What is the significance of Motherwell's match against Hibs?
The match is crucial for Motherwell as a win would secure them a fourth-place finish and guaranteed European football.
What controversy did Motherwell face in their last match?
Motherwell was upset over an injury-time penalty awarded against them for a handball by Sam Nicholson, which contributed to their loss to Celtic.
Who is the manager of Motherwell and what is his stance on the recent VAR incident?
Manager Jens Berthel Askou insists that the team must move on from the VAR controversy and focus on the upcoming match against Hibs.
