Bundesliga big hitters Freiburg have been warned that Motherwell aren't a typical Scottish team, by former Hearts keeper Alexander Schwolow.
Well host the Europa League runners-up at Fir Park tonight in a battle to get into the league phases of the Europa Conference League.
German keeper Schwolow returned home to Mainz last month after a dramatic season in Scottish football where Hearts came within a few minutes of winning the title.
And although he admits he doesn't hold fond memories of Motherwell, the 34-year-old has plenty of respect for Alfred Johansson's side.
He said: "Motherwell were a joy to watch. They were perhaps the most technically gifted team in Scotland last season.
"They were very consistent throughout the year, keeping 17 clean sheets. They play attractive football and are very versatile. It was remarkable that they were successful playing this style.
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"Motherwell don't play the typical physical style of play associated with Scotland at all, but instead rely on passing. They build the game from the goalkeeper out. In some matches, they played with a lot of risk and had some wild turnovers in their own half.
"But this is a team that accepts that and says, okay, we might lose the ball once or twice in dangerous areas, but we see that as an opportunity rather than a risk. Last season proved them right because they had a good campaign.
"But I don't have good memories because ultimately, we threw the title away in Motherwell.
"After the split, we drew 1-1 there because we were denied a penalty we really should have been awarded.
"Then, a few days later, Celtic played in Motherwell and, with the score at 2-2, were awarded, to put it mildly, a very dubious penalty in the 94th minute and won 3-2.
"That's why I don't have the fondest memories of them!
"Motherwell has a new manager and many new players. But I watched them against Hibs in the first league game of the season and their style of play is the same.
"Freiburg will have to close down the spaces, stay compact, and defend aggressively. They can't let Motherwell rattle them.
"But even though Motherwell has a lot of quality, I see Freiburg as significantly better.
"It will be a difficult match, though and Motherwell shouldn't be underestimated. But if Freiburg perform to their potential, I think they will prevail."
