Alfred Johansson identifies two ‘basic’ issues to turn around Motherwell form

Alfred Johansson has urged his struggling Motherwell side to go back to basics in order to come out of their slump.

The Fir Park side have lost their last four games – against Celtic, Dundee, Aberdeen and Rangers – as they prepare to visit bottom-of-the-table Kilmarnock on Saturday.

Manager Johansson said: “Our performances need to be improved. Our intensity in how we protect our own box needs to be improved. We need to press with more togetherness, and that’s two things in the basics that we need to improve.

“We need to play a little bit more forward in the offensive half, put more bodies in the box when we attack, and we also need to counter-press better. Then we’ll have less transitions against us, which has been a little bit of an issue as well.

“They are some of the things that we need to improve, and there’s other stuff too, but it’s the performances. We need to perform and execute our principles and style of play with high enough quality, and we’re working very hard on that.

“I see a group of people coming into work with a smile on their faces, working really hard, both staff and players.

“That’s not always easy when you don’t win, so I think it shows even more character and speaks loud about the personalities and commitment around this place.”

Johansson admits a win in Ayrshire would be “massive” for his side. The Swede said: “You work hard all week in training and want to be rewarded.

“Players are human beings. We’re not driven by getting the salary at the end of the month, we want to win, and that’s our passion.”

Jordan McGhee was on the bench for the 2-0 defeat against Celtic on Sunday and right-back Johnny Koutroumbis will be available for this weekend, with others to follow.

Johansson said: “It’s looking better week by week, people are moving closer.

“I believe Johnny Koutroumbis will be available for selection and we wait for a couple of other guys in the coming two weeks – Regan Charles-Cook, Oscar Priestman, Callum Hendry, guys who are really good football players that will also hopefully improve the performances of the team.”