Jens Berthel Askou Sends Celtic Park Warning

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou believes Celtic are returning to a more familiar style as his side prepare for their trip to Celtic Park this weekend.

The fixture arrives at a stage of the season where Celtic are pushing to keep their momentum in the league. Results have steadied and performances have started to resemble the team that had been built earlier in the campaign.

For visiting sides, Celtic Park often becomes a test of concentration. The Hoops push the tempo early and wide players look to isolate full-backs. When that happens, defenders are forced into constant decisions around the edge of the box.

Askou knows the challenge. His side have already experienced the pressure that comes from playing in front of a packed stadium in Glasgow. The Motherwell manager expects Celtic to look closer to the version of the team that caused problems earlier in the season.

He also pointed to the experience Celtic carry across their squad and staff. That experience can shift games when the match tightens late on and the atmosphere builds around the pitch.

He said: (Motherwell FC YouTube), “I think I’ll be facing a Celtic team that is a lot more like the one we faced the first time than the one we faced the second time.

“Martin and the rest of the staff have done well in terms of trying to get them back on track in a very hectic time.

“Some of the things they’re doing are very similar to what they were used to when Brendan was there, with a few minor things adjusted.

“I expect it to be a very tough game and a difficult game.

“They have a lot of experience on the bench to guide them through.”

Celtic’s strength often comes from how quickly they move the ball into wide areas. Once the wingers receive possession, the defence is pulled toward its own goal.

That opens space for midfield runners arriving late into the box. Those movements are difficult to track once the crowd senses momentum building.

Motherwell have shown throughout the season that they can compete against strong sides. Doing that at Celtic Park demands discipline without the ball.

If Celtic dictate the pace early, the game can quickly settle into a pattern where the visitors are forced deeper and deeper.