Jens Berthel Askou calls for strong finish as Motherwell chase European spot
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou feels the challenge of chasing a European place will be an important step in the team’s development as they look to get back to winning ways.
Well have only taken one point from their last four matches but still sit fourth in the William Hill Premiership ahead of Saturday’s trip to face leaders Hearts.
Hibernian have cut the deficit to three points, though, with only the top four guaranteed European qualification, although fifth will be enough if Celtic win the Scottish Cup.
Askou, who could have strikers Callum Hendry and Eythor Bjorgolfsson back in his squad after injury, said: “We are doing our best every game to get the maximum out of it, even though we don’t necessarily succeed every time.
“But it’s extremely important that we finish strong because there’s so much more to chase at this stage of the season.
“Plus, it’s an extremely important phase for growth and development. How we, as a club of our size, deal with being in this position at this time of the league, really fighting for big things.”
Motherwell have drawn twice with Hearts this season in contrasting encounters, shipping a three-goal lead at Tynecastle before a goalless encounter at Fir Park.
Askou said: “We will really, really try to push for the win because we miss winning.
“We want to win every game we compete in, and we know that every time we do, it’s obviously a massive step towards achieving something big.
“Like us, even though we haven’t just been able to wipe all resistance off the board the last couple of weeks, when we look at a big perspective, both clubs are in a position that they could only dream of before the season started.
“So I’m pretty sure that they, as we will, will come with a big smile on their face, really excited to play that game. And I expect it to be probably a little bit more lively and open at times than the last game against them here was, which was a bit tactical.
“Maybe it will look a little bit more at times like the first game, or something in between, time will tell.”
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