Alessio hopes Killie can keep up third degree
AFTER confounding early-season expectations to lead his side to third in the Premiership, Kilmarnock manager Angelo Alessio sounded a note of caution that it would be even harder now to stay there. Only the most optimistic among the Rugby Park support could have forecast this scenario unfolding following a difficult start to Alessio’s tenure that included the disastrous Europa League exit at the hands of Connah’s Quay Nomads. Kilmarnock, though, have regrouped impressively under the Italian’s watchful eye, particularly in defence where they have become one of the most formidable units in the league. They will look to extend their perfect October record by defeating Motherwell at Fir Park tomorrow night, a move that will consolidate their hold on third spot behind Celtic and Rangers. But just as he refused to get too despondent in the early days of his reign, Alessio has also elected not to get too carried away by his side’s lofty placing in the table. ‘We are building well this season,’ he said. ‘Every game is very tough for us but now we have reached the best position so far. We are third in the table. ‘I have a team that has the potential to keep improving. If we can get better then at the end of the season we can achieve something good. ‘But we have to keep working hard to improve because it will be a big challenge for us to remain in this position. It will be tough for us to stay in third.’ Tomorrow’s match against the Steelmen will be another test of Kilmarnock’s mettle. On Sunday, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard labelled Motherwell the toughest side his team has faced this season outside of Celtic and Alessio was of a mind to agree. ‘Motherwell are the best team apart from Celtic and Rangers,’ added the Italian. ‘They are a very good side. They play positive and attacking football. ‘But at the same time we have a good team. We are ready to face Motherwell and to give them a difficult match.’ Alessio will discover later today the seriousness of the injuries sustained by defenders Stuart Findlay and Dario del Fabro in Saturday’s victory over St Mirren.