In the early days under former Gothenburg coach Daku, things were a bit complicated.
In the first game, Motherwell faced FC Twente during the summer training camp. Even in its embryonic stage, the new style was evident and terrifying.
Well were 3-0 down and looked very nervous at the back as they tried to be Barça’s best in their own box, turning the goal into a break of ball play.
In Asco’s first competitive game, goalkeeper Callum Ward was lobbed by Clyde’s James Hilton whilst four miles outside his box. It was a heart attack thing.
But with each game, he started clicking more and more. Few fans were thrilled to see Ward standing in the middle of the road.
Five months later, Motherwell’s cruel, complex and almost intense and simple football reached its climax against Celtic on Tuesday.
His first goal was a deep, unforced cross and header, while his second came from a high press that emphasized Celtic’s composure.
But it was what happened around him that made him so special. Make no mistake, this is football at its best, as many Fir Park fans have seen.
There was a coolness to his approach, an insatiable hunger to chase Celtic. The defending champions’ recent possession and pressing statistics were put into sketchy form, but Motherwell were in control.
“It was an absolute lesson in football, both inside and outside,” said former Celtic midfielder Scott Allen of the sportsman.
“That was the composure and composure of Motherwell’s game.
“There was a connected team and another completely disconnected. That’s the difference between a manager who is actually implementing something.
“Motherwell played better football than Celtic, more exciting football. But at the same time they had a real structure behind the ball, which caused Celtic problems.
“They’re both cashiers and that’s what leads to a solid team.”
