“I’m not asking them to give the ball to the opposition inside the box,” Jens Berthel Askou | OneFootball

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou promised to take his side to Celtic Park looking for a first victory in a decade in the east end of Glasgow and his certainly made a real fist of it, coming back from a goal down to get themselves in front after the break…

Celtic v Motherwell Scottish Premiership 05/10/2025. Apostolos Stamatelopoulos 9 – Motherwell celebrates his leveler during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park, on 5 October 2025. Photo Raymond Davies PSI

Indeed if it wasn’t for an incredible goalkeeping error by Motherwell keeper Ward, then the Fir Park side, who came to Parkhead unbeaten in 13 matches this season, may well have taken the three points.

Afterwards, speaking to BBC Sportsound, the Motherwell manager had this to say about his side’s performance at Celtic Park.

“I’m gutted for the players’ and fans’ behalf. I’m extremely proud of our performances, not just today but the first part of the season. I can’t praise our players enough. We gave ourselves the opportunity to win, which not many teams do here. I know we’ll grow over the next period.

“I’m not asking them to give the ball to the opposition inside the box, but no matter which style you prefer there will be ball losses.”

Brendan Rodgers too praised Motherwell after Jens Berthel Askou’s side impressed the Celtic boss, who reached his 200th win as Celtic manager with the 3-2 victory.

Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO/Shutterstock

“It was a fantastic win for us. You can see why Motherwell haven’t lost a game. The build-up play, how they build the game up and the confidence they play with. The coach deserves a huge amount of credit because we had to be really on it and organised in our pressing. We get a goal from that, but there were other moments where they came through the pitch. They deserve a lot of credit for what they gave to the game,” Rodgers said at his post-match media conference.

“I thought our players deserved it. The mentality of going behind in the game. It’s not easy to play here when you go behind. We kept fighting. Subs coming into the game made a great impact for us.

Benjamin Nygren of Celtic celebrates scoring during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025. Photo by Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock

“That final 15 minutes of the game, where we had them pinned back and moving the ball at speed and creating opportunities, was great to see. We’re nowhere near our level. That’s the reality.

“I think we can all see that in terms of where I would want us to be. But you have to get results when you’re a player or a manager for Celtic. You have to find a way, and you have to dig deep and show heart. The players did that today. Amazing.”

Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores a late goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO/Shutterstock

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