New Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson has revealed he is inspired by Norwegian club Bodo Glimt as he sets out his vision to 'move mountains' at Fir Park. The 35-year-old Swede arrives after two-and-a-half years at Rosenborg, where he witnessed first-hand the remarkable rise of Bodo Glimt under Kjetil Knutsen.
Bodo Glimt's Remarkable Journey
Since returning to Norway's top flight in 2018, Bodo Glimt have won four of the seven league titles and never finished below second in the last six seasons. They reached the Champions League round of 16 last season, eliminating Inter Milan after beating Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in the league phase. A year earlier, they stormed to the Europa League semi-finals before losing to Tottenham.
Johansson said: "It's obviously an inspiring journey that they've been on. Very strategic in the way that they've done things, very consistent, stability in squads, stability in staff, directors, almost everything. That's how a well-run football club can create continuity, consolidate things, build on top and create a culture that in the end can move mountains."
Building on Askou's Legacy
Johansson takes over from Jens Berthel Askou, who guided Motherwell to a top-four finish last season with an attractive style that filled Fir Park and proved too strong for Celtic and Rangers. Johansson believes the club is onto something and wants to continue the upward trajectory.
"Through the process and the people that I've gotten to know here at Motherwell, there is a clear objective. The club here is on to something and that's why I think there's excitement and a buzz around the club," he said.
Lessons from Bodo Glimt's Setbacks
Johansson highlighted that Bodo Glimt's path to success included setbacks, such as being relegated from the top league early in their process. He stressed the importance of resilience and balance.
"Every project, every organisation, every football club will hit a rough patch. You have to be resilient during those periods and trust in yourself. For instance, with Bodo Glimt, they dropped out of the top league in Norway early in their process. But they stayed with it and continued. Now they are having real success," he added.
Johansson's Own Path
Before Rosenborg, Johansson spent four years in FC Copenhagen's academy as U19 and U21 head coach, following a post-graduate degree in high performance football coaching at the University of Lisbon. Despite his youth and lack of professional playing experience, his principles aligned with Motherwell's board.
Johansson emphasised he is his own man, drawing inspiration from his home life. "I've worked with a lot of good coaches... But in the end you have to find your own way. I love to spend time with my wife... It gives me the resilience and the power to go in every morning with energy. I wouldn't be here if my wife didn't go with me," he said.
