Motherwell appoints Alfred Johansson as new manager after Askou’s departure
Motherwell Football Club, of the Scottish Premiership, appointed Swedish coach Alfred Johansson as its new manager, replacing Jens Berthel Askou, who left for Toulouse. The 35-year-old arrives from Norwegian club Rosenborg, where he was sacked in May 2026. Selected via a data-driven process, Johansson aims to build on the club’s fourth-place finish and European qualification, emphasizing intensity, young talent development, and a 4-3-3 system.
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Alfred Johansson aims to build on Motherwell's success after being appointed new manager
Alfred Johansson, the new 35-year-old manager of Scottish Premiership club Motherwell, has stated his intention to consolidate the success of previous manager Jens Berthel Askou, who led the team to a fourth-place finish and European qualification. Johansson, who recently moved to Scotland with his pregnant wife (expecting a 'Scottish baby'), emphasized his long-term commitment and personal connection to the club. He outlined his playing philosophy centered on intensity, tempo, and constructive build-up play. The Swede, recruited from Rosenborg in Norway, expressed confidence in retaining key players, noting the club's strong scouting and 'good vibe'. Johansson also recalled a 2017 visit to watch Motherwell beat Rangers in a League Cup semi-final, which he jokingly said set his future course.
BBC SportAlfred Johansson Introduced as Motherwell Manager, Promises Intensity and Long-Term Commitment
Alfred Johansson, the new 35-year-old Swedish manager of Motherwell, was formally introduced at a press conference where he emphasized consolidation after predecessor Jens Berthel Askou's successful fourth-place Premiership finish and European qualification. Johansson stated his commitment by relocating with his pregnant wife, noting he will have a 'Scottish baby.' He outlined a philosophy of intensity, tempo, and constructive attacking play. Johansson expressed calmness about retaining key players, citing the club's strong scouting. He referenced a 2017 visit to watch Motherwell beat Rangers in a League Cup semi-final, calling his appointment fateful. The club has not disclosed the length of his contract.
BBC SportMotherwell appoint Alfred Johansson as new manager to replace Jens Berthel Askou
Motherwell Football Club has appointed 35-year-old Swedish manager Alfred Johansson as their new head coach, succeeding Jens Berthel Askou who left for Toulouse after leading the club to a fourth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership. Johansson, who previously managed Norwegian club Rosenborg for two and a half years before being sacked in May 2026, was selected through the same data-driven process that identified Askou and his predecessor Michael Wimmer. Chairman Kyrk Macmillan expressed confidence in Johansson's characteristics and ambition. Johansson, who has a sports science degree and a postgraduate coaching qualification, is known for using a 4-3-3 system and developing young talent. He faces the challenge of maintaining Motherwell's success, including a record clean-sheet season, while managing a dressing room in a new Scottish environment. The club is in good financial shape and will begin their Conference League qualifiers in July.
BBC SportMotherwell appoint Alfred Johansson as new manager
Motherwell Football Club has appointed Alfred Johansson as their new manager, succeeding Jens Berthel Askou. The 35-year-old Swedish coach aims to build on the club's success from last season, where they finished fourth in the Scottish Premiership under Askou, who departed for French club Toulouse. Johansson previously spent two and a half years in charge of Norwegian club Rosenborg before being sacked in May 2026. The appointment marks a new chapter for Motherwell as they look to maintain their competitive standing in Scottish football.
BBC SportMotherwell appoint Alfred Johansson as new manager after Askou departure
Alfred Johansson, a 35-year-old Swedish coach, has been appointed as the new manager of Scottish Premiership club Motherwell, replacing Jens Berthel Askou who left for Toulouse after leading the club to fourth place. Johansson, who previously managed Rosenborg in Norway for two and a half years until his sacking in May, was selected through Motherwell's data-driven recruitment process. He won 71 of 131 matches at Rosenborg, using a 4-3-3 system and developing young talents sold to top clubs. Johansson holds a sports science degree and youth coaching experience at Djurgardens and FC Copenhagen. Motherwell chairman Kyrk Macmillan expressed confidence in Johansson's characteristics to continue last season's success. The club faces Havnar Boltfelag in Conference League qualifying on July 23 and opens the Premiership season against Hibernian on August 2. Analyst Kevin Nicol praised Johansson's offensive style but questioned his ability to manage the dressing room in the Scottish environment, noting past issues with experienced players at Rosenborg.
BBC SportMotherwell appoint Alfred Johansson as new manager, replacing Jens Berthel Askou
Motherwell Football Club have appointed Alfred Johansson as their new manager, replacing Jens Berthel Askou who left for Toulouse. The 35-year-old Swedish coach arrives from Norwegian top-flight side Rosenborg, where he spent two-and-a-half years, guiding them to a fourth-place finish in his first season and seventh the following year. He left Rosenborg seven games into the new campaign. Johansson expressed his honor at taking the role, emphasizing the club's successful previous season and the need to build on that momentum with European football approaching. Motherwell chairman Kyrk Macmillan stated the appointment followed a data-driven process similar to previous managerial hires, highlighting Johansson's alignment with the club's game model and culture. Motherwell secured a return to European football on the final day of last season after finishing fourth in the Scottish Premiership.
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