Pressley: League Cup defeat can be catalyst for Dundee 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.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
42 minutes ago
- Reuters
Man City re-sign goalkeeper Trafford from Burnley on five-year deal
July 29 (Reuters) - Goalkeeper James Trafford has returned to Manchester City on a five-year contract after helping Burnley earn a promotion back to the Premier League with the fewest goals conceded in the Championship last season, City said on Tuesday. Englishman Trafford, who won the golden glove with 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season, has re-joined the club where he spent eight years as a youth player for 27 million pounds ($36 million), English media reports said. 'Rejoining City is such special and proud moment both for me and my family. I always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back to Manchester City," Trafford said in a statement shared by City. 'This is the place I call home – it's a truly special football club with fantastic people who make it such a unique place to work and play." Trafford played on loan at third-tier sides Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before making a permanent move to Burnley in 2023, where he played his first full season in the Premier League, making 28 appearances as the club was relegated. But the six-foot-six keeper returned to form in the Championship last season, with Burnley conceding only 16 goals in the campaign, 14 fewer than champions Leeds United. "I am still very young and hungry to keep learning and improving – and I know there is no better environment than Manchester City to help make me become the best goalkeeper I can be," Trafford added. City, who begin their quest for a seventh Premier League title in nine seasons when they visit Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 16, said Trafford would wear the number one jersey. ($1 = 0.7497 pounds)
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Charlton footballer Ethan Ade-Oduwale tragically dies as club pay tribute to U10s star
London club Charlton Athletic, who won promotion to the Championship last season through the play-offs, have paid tribute to young footballer Ethan Ade-Oduwale Charlton Athletic have paid tribute to young Under-10s academy talent Ethan Ade-Oduwale, who has tragically died. " Charlton Athletic are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Ethan Ade-Oduwale, a cherished member of our academy's U10s team," the Championship club said in a statement. "Ethan's smile, energy and enthusiasm for football will always be remembered by his teammates and the staff within the academy. From the moment he stepped onto a football pitch at Sparrows Lane, his desire to succeed spread across every session and his love of football will forever be remembered. "A shining example of what football should look like for any young player with his love of the ball, teammates and respect of all those who came across, Ethan will be sorely missed by all." A number of other clubs paid tribute to the youngster after Charlton confirmed the tragic news on social media. Among them were Manchester United, who wrote: "Sending our condolences to Ethan's friends and family, and everyone connected with Charlton, following this tragic news." "All at Leyton Orient send our sincerest condolences to all of Ethan's family and friends, and all at Charlton Athletic at this terribly sad time. Rest in peace, Ethan," Charlton's fellow London side Leyton Orient posted in their own reply. Charlton's chairman Gavin Carter also spoke following the news. "On behalf of everyone at Charlton Athletic, we are devastated by the heartbreaking news of Ethan's passing," Carter said. "Our thoughts, heartfelt condolences, and full support are with Ethan's parents and family. We kindly ask that their privacy - and that of Ethan's friends, teammates, and the staff who worked with him - be respected during this incredibly difficult time." Academy manager Tom Pell said everyone at the club was "devastated" to learn of the passing of the academy talent. He also indicated the club was deciding how best to pay tribute to the youngster, and called for the privacy of Ade-Oduwale's family, team-mates and staff to be respected. "On behalf of everyone within the academy, we are sending our thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences to Ethan's parents Adeola and Esther and the rest of Ethan's family and friends," Pell said in a statement. "In due course, we will share information on our plans to pay tribute to Ethan across the academy to ensure that he is always remembered. His beaming smile will never be forgotten."
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Man City complete signing of James Trafford in British record deal as Pep Guardiola's career spending passes €2bn - the most for a manager in history
Manchester City have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford in a British record deal from Burnley. The 22-year-old had been courted by Newcastle United for well over a year but has opted for a return to the Etihad Stadium, where he came through the club's academy. City sold Trafford to Burnley for an initial £14m two years ago and inserted matching rights into the deal. Once Newcastle bid for the England Under-21 international last week, City had to quickly decide whether to make their move – despite neither Ederson nor Stefan Ortega leaving so far this summer. They have done just that, adding the youngster, who is currently part of the England first team set up, to their ranks again. The deal is worth £31millon, but could rise again if add-ons are met. A sell-on clause is also included. Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, has now seen his career spending as a manager pass €2billion - the first boss to do so in the history of the game. Trafford conceded only 16 goals as Burnley secured promotion back to the Premier League last term, keeping an astonishing 30 Championship clean sheets. That equalled a 71-year EFL record, set by Port Vale, and Thomas Tuchel subsequently called him up to England's senior squad.
