Celtic target Jens Berthel Askou doubts should emerge after Motherwell slump

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Celtic’s reported interest in Jens Berthel Askou comes at a time when he is facing his first real test under pressure, and the early signs are not encouraging.

Motherwell are now without a win in five matches, a run that has coincided directly with growing speculation around his future following links to Celtic.

67 Hail Hail fans want Askou to become the new manager but now the narrative has shifted the conversation from potential to scrutiny, particularly given the demands that come with managing at Parkhead. For a club where expectation is relentless, any hint that external noise is affecting performance raises immediate concerns.

• READ MORE: 67 Hail Hail tell BBC Sportsound Celtic face rebuild bigger than Postecoglou after St Mirren win

Would you take Jens Berthel Askou in the event that Martin O’Neill leaves Celtic in the summer?

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Motherwell’s drop in form raises questions about Askou’s handling of pressure

The Steelmen’s recent run has exposed a different side to Askou’s tenure, one where results have stalled and performances have lacked consistency across the last five fixtures. The timing matters, as this downturn has come just as his name has been linked with a potential move to Celtic.

In those last five fixtures, they have failed to beat any of the sides in the top half of the Scottish Premiership split, which isn’t a positive sight for the Hoops when they will be expecting three points in these sorts of high-stakes games.

At Celtic, pressure does not build gradually, it is constant from the first day in the job and intensifies with every dropped point. Askou is currently dealing with speculation in a far less demanding environment, yet results have already taken a hit during that period.

That raises a clear question about whether he can deal with the external noise while maintaining performance standards on the pitch. The evidence right now is a team that has failed to win across five consecutive matches.

Jens Berthel Askou’s comments add to the uncertainty

Askou has done little to fully shut down the speculation, instead offering a measured response on his future that suggests a willingness to stay while leaving the door slightly open.

Those inside the Motherwell dressing room, especially the likes of Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise, who have also been linked with the Hoops, will see that and begin to ponder if they can do that themselves. He has also kept his stance deliberately guarded when pressed further, choosing not to engage deeply with the Celtic links ahead of key fixtures.

If Celtic are assessing potential candidates, they will be looking beyond tactical ideas and focusing heavily on resilience under pressure and the ability to deal with constant eyes on what you do.