Motherwell defender Johnny Koutroumbis has revealed how head coach Jens Berthel Askou's expansive playing style has completely transformed his perspective on what's achievable in his football career.
A New Footballing Philosophy
The 27-year-old Australian full-back admitted he had never been part of a team focused on possession-based football and building from the back until Askou's arrival at Fir Park during the summer. Koutroumbis described the initial introduction to the Dane's methods as "definitely different" but incredibly exciting.
"It's not something I have been a part of and when he first introduced how he wanted to play, it was exciting," the defender explained. "Being able to keep the ball and all that stuff is great, but you improve as an individual. I think your career can take a step upwards, and that step upwards can be tenfold."
Mastering Both Sides of the Game
In their recent goalless draw against league leaders Hearts, Motherwell demonstrated they've developed into a formidable outfit without possession too. The team showcased excellent defensive organisation and effective counter-pressing against the Premiership frontrunners.
"We won't shy away from our principles, whether we're playing against the team that's first or last," Koutroumbis stated emphatically. "But we've become a team that's also dogged off the ball whereas before, at the start of the season, we were allowing easy goals to go in."
The Australian defender highlighted the importance of defensive solidity, noting: "You can say all you want about working with the ball. I think some games are won off the ball. Clean sheets win you championships."
Finding the Right Balance
Koutroumbis acknowledged the challenges of adapting to Askou's system, emphasising that perfection doesn't happen overnight. The transition required significant focus during pre-season as players adjusted to unfamiliar tactical demands.
"Looking back at pre-season and those games at the start of the season, there was a lot of emphasis on playing with the ball because every player was sort of new as well," he recalled. "It was a different system that none of us had been used to, so there was a lot of emphasis on having the confidence to play out of sticky situations, taking that risk to keep the ball."
The defender admitted that while the team still makes mistakes in possession, their improvement without the ball has been significant. "We're not perfect still. We make a lot of mistakes on the ball, and we know that. But we have improved off the ball and we can take longer spells without it. The players get it."
Community Embracing the New Style
The transformation under Askou hasn't gone unnoticed by Motherwell supporters. Fir Park witnessed an impressive attendance of 10,939 fans for the Hearts encounter, demonstrating the local community's growing enthusiasm for the team's development.
Koutroumbis expressed deep appreciation for the supporters, describing them as "the heartbeat of this football club." He added: "Without our fans, there wouldn't be a football club. To hear that there was a record-breaking attendance is great. I'm honoured to have everyone come watch us play."
The defender praised the commitment of Motherwell's loyal following, noting: "They sacrifice time and energy and money to come watch us week in, week out. Some come on a Wednesday night as well, and they've got work in the morning."
Koutroumbis also spoke fondly of the local area, describing Motherwell as "an amazing town, amazing suburb" where he always receives friendly interactions when walking the streets.
