Alfred Johansson has insisted he will always have a Scottish core at the heart of his Motherwell squad, despite criticism for not fielding any homegrown players in a recent Conference League match.
The Swedish boss was criticised for his starting XI against Havnar Boltfelag in the Faroe Islands, which contained no Scottish players. However, he has pointed to the young Scottish talent on his bench, including Mikey Booth, Olly White and Luca Ross, who have all had exposure this season.
Key Scottish players like Stephen O’Donnell and Paul McGinn are currently injured, while new loan signing Alex Lowry was ineligible for that game.
Contract agreed on Scottish influence
Johansson, who is looking to get past HJK in their home leg tomorrow, has insisted that when he took the Motherwell job it was under the proviso that his team had a strong Scottish influence.
“That was one of the things that Nick Daws (the head of recruitment) told me early on was that a big chunk of the squad we always want to be Scottish. It’s something I signed the contract on and I agree with. It has been the same for every club I have been at to have domestic core,” Johansson said.
“We talk about our identity and that is important to have Scottish and UK-based players. Some seasons you will have more Scots players and others it might be less, but it is vital for a club like Motherwell to have that home core.”
Fadinger impressing
It has been one of their imports that has been key to Johansson’s new-look side. Lukas Fadinger, one of the remaining elements from last season’s midfield, has stepped up with some top displays and three goals in five games.
Johansson said: “Wow, I am so impressed. I watched a lot of games last season from the team and he did really well. There were other names who took the headlines, but speaking to the senior players who were here last season, they told me Lukas was one of our better players last season. He’s been a great player this season.”
“He ticks so many boxes, is super professional, super hungry and hard-working. I said after the game against Hibs that he is No.6, 8 and 9. He covers so much distance and what a player.”
Leadership on and off the pitch
Fadinger is one of the more experienced players in the squad, and his manager knows he leads by example on the pitch rather than vocally. Tom Sparrow has been handed the armband in the early games with Paul McGinn and Stephen O’Donnell both out injured.
Johansson thinks there are a lot of big characters in his squad who are more than happy to take responsibility.
“Normally he [Fadinger] leads by example. He is not the most vocal but leads by example the way he plays. We have other players here who are steady enough, like McGinn and SOD, who haven’t been playing,” Johansson said.
“Cooky (Regan Charles Cook) is also showing leadership, playing with a smile and Tom Sparrow, who has probably picked up the most, taking responsibility. He is such a vocal guy and encouraging everyone. He is looking himself in the mirror first and then pushing everyone else. We have a lot of leaders and Lukas is one.”
Johansson is looking for Well to continue their unbeaten start when HJK head to Fir Park tomorrow night. The tie is finely balanced at 1-1. The Lanarkshire side will look to tip it in their favour with home advantage and the winners face last season’s Europa League finalists Freiburg in the play-off round.
