Pressley 'under no illusions' about Dundee task
The 51-year-old was a surprise appointment last month after the sacking of Tony Docherty in May.
Advertisement
Pressley's Scottish Premiership side lost 1-0 at home to second-tier Airdrieonians in their opening Premier Sports Cup group match on Saturday in Pressley's first competitive game in charge.
"We believe in what we are doing," said Pressley.
"But we are realistic about what we are doing. It was our first real game of any note. It was the first time we were really stress tested.
"Setbacks often are the catalyst to move things forward."
He added: "Do I think we are anywhere near resembling what I want us to be? Absolutely not, not even close, but I do believe in the process. I do believe in what we are trying to do.
Advertisement
"Along the way there are going to be bumps. I was under no illusions this was going to be a difficult job, a challenging job but I enjoy that challenge and also I enjoy working with this group of players.
"As long as we believe within here what we are doing, I think we can be fine."
With no midweek fixture, Dundee's next cup outing on Saturday is an awkward looking trip to League 1 Alloa Athletic, who have won both of their opening games.
Pressley is nearing 350 games in the dugout but Dundee is his first managerial post in about six years.
Asked if the job he as taken on is bigger than he first thought, he replied: "It was what I expected but I think also that I am well aware we are nowhere near where we want to be.
Advertisement
"You have got to understand the learnings are not just from the players, the learning's for me.
"You have some preconceived ideas around the job - how you want the team to function and play. Then you work closely with the players and you start to see their attributes, their qualities, their deficiencies. My job is to be adaptable to that.
"The weekend was a great learning - not the result, far from it but the stress testing and the things that it brought to my attention were brilliant. It has allowed us to one, focus on certain things on the grass that need improving, and two, make adjustments to the quality of player that we have."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Rangers & Hibs will postpone games if in play-offs
Rangers and Hibernian will both exercise their right to postpone their Scottish Premiership matches on the weekend of 23/24 August if they progress to the play-off stages of European qualifying. Rangers host Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie on Tuesday - live on BBC Scotland - and Hibs travel to face to Partizan Belgrade on Thursday in the first leg of their Conference League contest. If Rangers go through, their league game with St Mirren - between the two legs of the European tie - will be called off. Should Russell Martin's side go out, the fixture will take place on Sunday, 24 August at 12:00 BST. Hibs are due to play Falkirk on Saturday, 23 August at 17:45, but that game will be off if they get past their Serbian opponents. The match between Dundee United and Aberdeen that weekend has already been postponed to allow Jimmy Thelin's side to prepare for their confirmed Europa League play-off against either FCSB of Bucharest or Kosovan side Drita.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Ipswich Town transfer rumour: Trio linked with right-back swoop
Three teams are reportedly eyeing a move for Ipswich Town defender Harry Clarke. SportsBoom claim that Championship sides Bristol City and Coventry City, as well as Scottish Premiership outfit Hibernian, are all vying for the 24-year-old's signature. Clarke has dealt with various injury issues in the last two years. He is currently sidelined with a knee ligament issue that could rule him out for an extended period. He helped the Blues secure promotion from League One up to the Premier League, playing seven games in the top flight last season before joining Sheffield United on loan. The season is nearly here. Stay ahead of the game with our full coverage – now 50% off. Town are well-stocked at right-back, with Ashley Young and Ben Johnson seemingly ahead of Clarke in the pecking order. Verdict It doesn't make sense for Ipswich to carry three right-backs in their squad - especially when Dara O'Shea can also cover that position. With that in mind, a departure - loan or permanent - would make sense for Clarke, but the big question mark is his injury. At the time of writing, we don't know how long he will be out for, but the indication is that it won't be a short-term injury. If he did depart, you'd think that a Championship move would appeal over the Scottish Premiership. If Coventry were to lose Milan van Ewijk, who has been heavily linked with a move to Wolfsburg, it would certainly make sense - just not if he's going to be sidelined for a long time.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Kieran Tierney has injury scare on 2nd Celtic debut
Former Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney made his second official debut for Celtic over the weekend, but fans were left concerned after he was withdrawn early. Photo bySix years after leaving Celtic for Arsenal, Kieran Tierney returned to his former club this summer, and he had his first opportunity in a competitive fixture on Sunday. Celtic were kicking off their Scottish Premiership campaign against St. Mirren, and Tierney was named in the starting lineup for the clash. Yet the 28-year-old couldn't complete the full 90 minutes, limping off the pitch with 25 to go. Fortunately, Brendan Rodgers has played down fears of an injury to the left-back. Photo via 'He had a wee bit of cramp at the end,' Rodgers admitted, before adding: 'He's still building his fitness. He hasn't played a lot of football in the last few years so we have to manage him.' In general, Rodgers seemed to be impressed with how his new signing had performed, as the player put in a confident display. 'Kieran looked very, very good,' Rodgers said. 'Once he understands a wee bit more how we play he'll be able to get into positions that fraction quicker. 'Overall it was fantastic to see him back at Celtic Park.' Photo byTierney joined Celtic on a free transfer from Arsenal this summer, after coming to the end of his Gunners contract. The defender played a role in pre-season for Rodgers' side, including playing in a 4-0 win over Newcastle United, but he's yet to complete 90 minutes since his comeback. After all his injury problems in north London, Celtic will want to be very careful with Tierney in the early months following his return.
