Steven Pressley: League Cup defeat can be catalyst for Dundee to move forward

Dundee manager Steven Pressley believes that their defeat to Airdrieonians in the group stages of the League Cup can be a catalyst for them to move forward.

The Dark Blues hosted the Championship side in their first competitive game of the campaign, in what was also Pressley’s debut in the Dens Park dugout, on Saturday.

A first-half goal from Chris Mochrie was enough to secure a 1-0 win for the visitors.

However, Pressley insists that setbacks at this stage of the season can be used in their favour and give them a better idea of what they need to improve on.

The former Scotland international defender said: “Although we didn’t want it at the weekend, setbacks are often the catalyst to move things forward. Because then you have to refocus and identify the problems.

“So, I think that’s healthy at times, I think in pre-season, although this was a cup competition, but pre-seasons without setbacks can be dangerous.

“It can now be a real catalyst for us to say, look, we’ve got so much work ahead of us, and I think that is really important.”

Dundee will travel to Alloa this weekend as they look to get their League Cup campaign back on track.

And while the head coach, who also played for Hearts, Dundee United, Celtic, and Rangers, admits they are “nowhere near” the level they want to be currently, he has confidence in the process and is relishing the challenges ahead.

He continued: “We believe in what we are doing, but we are realistic about what we are doing. It was our first real game of any note and the first time we were really stress-tested.

“Do I think we are anywhere near resembling where I want us to be? Absolutely not, no. Not even close.

“But I believe in the process and I do believe in what we are trying to do.

“I think we’ve got a group of players that have really bought into what we’re trying to do. Along the way, there are going to be bumps. I was under no illusions, this was always going to be a difficult job, a challenging job.

“But I enjoy that challenge, and I also enjoy working with this group. I think we have a group of players that want to put things right here and who are really pushing to be better, and that’s all I ask for.

“All the other things we have to accept and take care of, but as long as we believe in what we’re doing, I think we will be fine.”