Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou used the atmosphere at Celtic Park as a key focus point during his half-time message to his players on Saturday…
The Steelmen had initially taken the lead through Elijah Just, but their advantage was short-lived after a misplaced pass by Tommy Sparrow under pressure allowed Yang to level the match for Celtic.
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The Hoops eventually seized control of the contest – particularly after Emmanuel Longelo was shown a red card – with Martin O’Neill’s side going on to claim a crucial 3–1 victory.
Despite the defeat, Askou felt his team’s confident and attacking approach in the first half made a noticeable impression on the home support.
According to The Athletic’s brilliant behind-the-scenes coverage of the match, Askou addressed his players at the break.
Askou said: “There is only one reason for the crowd to be on their side, and it is that they scored a goal.”
“They were all over them until they got a moment of luck. It doesn’t matter, keep going because we will create chances out there in the second half.”
“We have so much control of this game now. Don’t be intimidated by the crowd trying to help them get back in the game. Be brave and run some long attacks out there, as they will hate it. We are the ones who decide if we lose control or not.”
Prior to the game, Askou told his players: “We all know that we are more than capable of coming here and outperforming this team. All you need to do is be who you are and do what you do.”
“You don’t need to invent anything, you don’t need to dig deep or find something you haven’t found before. Just go out and give yourself and each other the opportunity.”
“We’ve learned our lessons and improved our skill set along the way. Today we’re not first-year students anymore. Today is a celebration of how far we have come. So I want you to go out and enjoy it. Go out and have a party out there. Are you ready, boys?”
Conor Spence
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