Our new leader shared his thoughts at the first media briefing since he
was unveiled less than a week ago.
Alfred Johansson was quizzed about his recruitment, his early
impressions and his plans for the team and the club has published his answers
on the MFC
website.
He talked of the excitement of coming to a Scottish club and of meeting
the players and backroom staff. He was
impressed by the “good vibe” at Fir Park and was already familiar with the
concept of a member owned club as that is common in Norway.
He talked of the fast but thorough process that followed his leaving of
Rosenborg. Nick Daws, Motherwell’s Head
of Football, did much of the initial consultation with the 35 year old
coach. He cited two major factors in
his decision to come to Scotland with his wife.
First was that he met many “good people” (with whom he would be happy to
share a beer) and second was the nature of the sporting project under the strategic
guidance of Nick, Brian Caldwell and Kyrk Macmillan.
As for future achievements he restricted his view to the Conference League tie with Havnar Botfelag, the next game is what matters. He seemed happy to follow and develop the process that delivered so much last season. He wants intensity, tempo and to play out from the back. Attacks should be built up constructively. “We have to have strong units whether in pressing or when forced back.
He feels that all the players are fully committed to the club and would
not be drawn of possible transfers in or out. He spoke favourably of their condition on return to the training ground and of their attitude in the sessions.
Continuity and progression with an element of “Alfred” thrown in seems
to be the way forward.
He is aware of the family/community sense that is apparent with
Motherwell and from his experience in Norway that seems normal.
He was asked about recruitment and expects to have a big say regarding
player movements. He understands that
Motherwell regularly lose their best players.
He had some discussions with Jens Berthel Askou before he accepted the
job but preferred to keep the chat confidential.
He would regard success as continual development tand consolidation of the progress that has come to the club
recently.
As for his future he points out that he and his (pregnant) wife have
chosen to move to Scotland and they are really happy to be here.
