Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has made it crystal clear: his team's focus is firmly on securing fourth place in the Scottish Premiership, not on playing the role of "kingmakers" in the title race. Speaking ahead of a crucial clash with Derek McInnes' side on Saturday evening, Askou emphasized that missing out on a top-four finish would sting just as much for Motherwell as falling short of the title would for Hearts.

The stakes couldn't be higher. A win for the Fir Park side would all but dash Hibernian's hopes of catching them in the race for European football next season. And with Motherwell fresh off a stunning victory over Rangers at Ibrox, they're no strangers to shaking up the table. "I know there's been a lot of talk about us playing teams under pressure to win the title," Askou said. "But it will be an equally big disappointment for us if we don't finish fourth—just like it would be for Hearts if they don't end up on top after leading for so long."

For Askou, the mission is personal and ambitious. "We've been in this position for so long. We're so close," he added. "Securing fourth place and earning European football next season would be a massive achievement for us. Winning against the possible champions—whether on Saturday or in the next game—would be incredible. We beat one title contender a few weeks back, and now we have another chance."

Despite their recent heroics, Askou is quick to dismiss any talk of Motherwell being "kingmakers" in the title race. "It's about us," he insisted. "We're not here to get in the way of other clubs' ambitions. We want to leave as many teams behind us in the table and end up in a position where we achieve something massive for this club."

As the season reaches its climax, Motherwell are not just playing for pride—they're chasing a prize that would cap off an "exciting and developing season" with European adventures to come. For Askou and his squad, the message is simple: focus on the goal ahead, not the noise around it.