Motherwell Manager Alfred Johansson Praises Supporters After Draw in Helsinki
Alfred Johansson left the press conference room at the Bolt Arena with a smile, reflecting on his team’s commendable performance. The Motherwell manager celebrated a 1-1 draw against HJK Helsinki, acknowledging the significance of the result achieved on foreign soil.
The atmosphere was particularly uplifting as a local journalist utilized their single question to highlight the dedicated travelling supporters. Approximately 550 Steelmen fans made their way to the stadium, passionately singing throughout the match. Their excitement peaked when Tawanda Maswanhise converted a penalty, drawing a spirited response from the crowd that spilled over to the edge of the pitch.
Johansson expressed immense pride in the turnout of Motherwell fans: “We did it in the Faroes and now there are even more people here in Helsinki,” he remarked after the match. He added, “Having that support is huge for a club like us. Fir Park may not boast the largest attendance in Scotland, but to see so many supporters here is massive.”
He emphasized the powerful influence the supporters have on the team, stating, “The energy they transmit to all of us is difficult to measure. You can’t explain it. It’s massive for us and I’m so proud to have that.”
Alfred Johansson had good reason to have a wee smile on his face in the press conference room at the Bolt Arena.
The Motherwell manager had just watched his side earn a 1-1 draw against HJK Helsinki in Finland – a more than credible result on the road.
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But his grin at the end of his presser came because a local journalist used his one question to speak about the travelling supporters.
The 550-strong band of Steelmen supporters marched their way to the stadium, sung from the soles of their feet and then spilled onto the outskirts of the pitch when Tawanda Maswanhise scored from the penalty spot.
They made quite the impression on the locals, and Johansson couldn’t have been more proud.
“We did it in the Faroes and now there are even more people here in Helsinki,” the Swede said post-match.
“Being able to have that support, I mean, Fir Park is not the stadium in Scotland with the biggest attendance, the biggest amount of seats, but still, to have that many people from Motherwell come to Helsinki, it’s massive for a club like us.
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“It’s massive for us in the dugout and it’s absolutely massive for the players on the pitch.
“The energy they transmit to all of us, I think it’s really difficult to measure that.
“You can’t explain it. It’s massive for us and I’m so proud to have that.”
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