The level-headed Swede orchestrating magic with Motherwell

The level-headed Swede orchestrating magic with MotherwellImage source, SNSImage caption, Manager Alfred Johansson embraces matchwinner Ibrahim Stated after Motherwell reached the Conference League play-offsByAmy CanavanBBC Sport Scotland at Fir ParkPublished28 minutes agoMotherwell fans are digging out their passports, discovering all sorts of routes to Freiburg and dreaming of the Conference League.But manager Alfred Johansson’s sole focus is on Stenhousemuir in the Scottish League Cup. That was once he had fed his babies to allow his wife to sleep on Thursday night.The Swede was smiling as his players were serenaded by 8,000-plus supporters at a raucous Fir Park following their wonderful 2-0 win over HJK Helsinki, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory, on a magical night under the lights, but he was – once again – not getting sucked into the conversation of what comes next in European competition.Their star man – and showman – Ibrahim Stated, who former team-mate Andy Halliday stated would “be playing for Barcelona if he could score”, was, though. Front and centre of the celebrations following his sublime pair of solo goals, the Nigerian, hailed by Johansson as “outstanding”, sent supporters off into the night twisting and shouting to his tune.While they’re, rightly, scrolling through Skyscanner, the wily manager – who remains unbeaten in six matches since succeeding the mighty impressive Jens Berthel Askou – will only be checking out potential road closures on the way to Ochilview on Sunday.Stated’s outrageous double sends Motherwell past HJK