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Motherwell ready for Freiburg at 'fortress' Fir Park but Steelmen hold one priority ahead of glamour match Motherwell will host a Conference League play-off glamour match against Bundesliga opposition. Motherwell defender Emmanuel Longelo says the club will relish the challenge of Freiburg next week - with Stenhousemuir taking manager Alfred Johansson’s focus this Sunday. The Steelmen are through to a huge Conference League play-off against Bundesliga opposition next Thursday after defeating HJK Helsinki over two legs in qualifying round three, culminating in a 2-0 second leg win at home this week in front of over 8,000 home fans. Fir Park will again be packed out on August 20 for the visit of the Germans and Motherwell will warm up for the game with their Premier Sports Cup last 16 tie against newly-promoted Championship opposition at Ochilview. Longelo has been a key star for the club since joining from Birmingham City last summer and can sense excitement building. Having lost just three competitive games in over 12 months at home, twice to Falkirk and once to Celtic, there will be no fear heading into battle against last season’s Europa League runners up. How will Motherwell tackle Conference League clash vs Freiburg? “It will be a good test to see where we are against a team of such high calibre,” said the left-back. “I am pretty sure we will be ready for it. It will be a major boost for us. It is a game where everybody wants to play in it. It is a top game and an opportunity to progress further in the tournament. It is something we want to do. We want to compete in this tournament and at a high level, so we will be up for it. We want to make this place a fortress and we are delighted with the way the fans reacted.” Johansson’s focus will remain on Stenhousemuir who Motherwell defeated 1-0 in FK5 last year in the group stage of this competition. While questions are asked of the challenge Freiburg will present, the former Rosenborg boss is keen to focus on lower league opposition, with the game still holding much importance for him. “Obviously you don't want to trip on these games,” the Motherwell manager said. “I think as a manager in those moments your job is to make sure that your team is going there and putting in everything. Because if you underestimate and if you think it's going to be easy, and you don't have to give everything, then it's not possible because these guys that you play, for them, it's the game of their lives. “The game of their season, or whatever, game of the year. So they will put in absolutely everything. They will not be put down by fatigue. They will not be put down by conceding a goal or having to defend deep or whatever. If they get one counter-attack, it's going to feel like scoring a goal for them. So you have to respect that kind of task when you play as the bigger club. It's a task for the players to prepare themselves for that. They have to see it as a final, which I do. If you want to play the final of the League Cup, then you need to play this final on Sunday, to be able to arrive there. So if that's not motivation enough, then I think you're in the wrong club, and you're with the wrong manager, and in the wrong squad.” Comments Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.