Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: 'Title talk is irrelevant to us'

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has claimed any title talk surrounding his in-form side is “irrelevant”.

The Fir-Park side, who have conceded only three goals in their last 15 Premiership games, has been tipped in some quarters to mount a late title charge.

The 5-0 win at St Mirren on Saturday was Motherwell’s biggest in the league this season, in a weekend which saw both Old Firm sides drop points.

Despite sitting fourth, ten points off William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts and four behind Celtic, with a game in hand, Askou has shut down the claims, describing the question of “can Motherwell win the league” as “irrelevant”.

“I know there’s been a lot of talk about us being in a title race now,” he added.

“In terms of being in a race, racing with other clubs, there needs to be some conditions that are more or less the same. And we just compete in a totally different league, even though we’re in the same football league.

“There are some circumstances that the other teams above us have in their hands that we don’t have, and that’s why it’s irrelevant for us to discuss that question or to approach it internally or externally.

“What’s important is that we’re developing and we’re growing as a club, and that we are aware of where we need to grow as a club.

“There are so many things we need to improve and lift in order for us to actually answer that question with a yes.

“But if you ask me or us whether we think we can win the next game, then we are really positive that we can.

“If you ask us if we can beat any team in this league on the day, then we will say the same.”

St Mirren succeeded in their appeal against Richard King’s red card in Saturday’s 5-0 home defeat by Askou’s side.

The defender was sent off while his side trailed 3-0 early in the second half after swinging his hand in the direction of Callum Slattery while being held by the Motherwell midfielder as he tracked back.

There appeared to be minimal contact before Slattery went down holding his face.

Askou admitted players occasionally “overplay situations and have exaggerated reactions”, but he doesn’t “want it to be his team.”

“I think it happens”, he said. “That players overplay situations and exaggerate reactions to an action.”

“I don’t think it excuses the action from King because it’s never okay to swing an arm at an opponent. It’s always up to the referees to decide whether the force is enough for a red card or not.

“The reaction has been discussed internally.

“We don’t want to be that team, so it’s addressed, and it’s something we have learned from.”

Motherwell hope to continue their form as they take on Dundee United at home on Saturday afternoon.