Motherwell manager Graham Alexander has challenged his players to silence critics who have claimed this afternoon’s clash with Ross County marks the end of the Staggies’ difficult start to the season – insisting it “burns” that people few his side as one of the leagues “potentially easy fixtures”.
The Steelmen could end the weekend top of the Premiership if other results go their way and the ‘Well boss insisted he doesn’t see the Premiership as a collection of “tough and easy fixtures”
“I’ve seen that being spoken about, all those tough fixtures and now it’s not,” Alexander said.
“Well, hopefully, that will continue, because I don’t want to think we are pooled in with a group of teams that people think they should beat.
“For me, our challenge is to show that we are one of those tough fixtures as well, and that’s what I want my players to show.
“I have just heard it from different sources where it’s tough fixtures.
“Listen, I believe we have had tough fixtures. I think every team has had tough fixtures in this league.
“That’s the reality of it. It’s not a 24-team league where there are teams cut off at the bottom. It’s so competitive.
“For me, I don’t see tough and easy fixtures.
“But if we are getting chucked in with potentially easy fixtures, then that burns a little bit.”
Alexander will come up against a familiar face in Ross County boss Malky Mackay, and admits it is “great to see” his former Scotland teammate back in management.
The Motherwell boss knows the Staggies have quality on and off the pitch with Mackay in the dugout but insists his focus is on what his own side can do when they meet this afternoon.
“I was with Malky in a few Scotland squads,” he added. “I have spoken to him a couple of times.
“I was actually in Spain with him a couple of years ago when we went to watch Real Sociedad. So I spent a few days with Malky.
“A great guy, a very good coach, and manager who knows the game. He has got a great opportunity back in management, which is great to see.
“So we know the quality is not just on the pitch but off it as well. It will be good to see him but I’m more bothered about my team.”
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