Steven Pressley reveals most disappointing aspect of Dundee derby defeat and where responsibility lies

The Dark Blues gaffer described Dundee United as “worthy winners” and says his team “didn’t ask enough questions” of their rivals. Two goals from Will Ferry, a super strike and a freak deflection, either side of half time plus a towering header from Ryan Strain sealed the result for the home side.

The result leaves Dundee still very much fighting for their Scottish Premiership survival. They are guaranteed not to finish bottom but are still within striking distance of 11th place and the play-off.

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“I thought that the first half in particular was quite an even affair,” said Pressley. “I don't think there was a lot between the sides, but we never got going in the second half. In the end, Dundee United were definitely worthy winners.

“I wanted to ask more questions of them. It was a pitch that was very difficult to play. It was a pitch where we've even seen prior to coming here that you have to ask the defenders to defend because it's a pitch that at times forces mistakes.

“We didn't ask enough questions of their backline. That was the disappointing aspect for me, but that's my responsibility without doubt.”

Dundee now have back-to-back home games against St Mirren and Livingston followed by a trip to Kilmarnock and then the visit of Aberdeen to Dens Park in their final four matches. They currently sit just five points above second bottom.

Pressley added: “The real message is that we need to respond. We're hurting. It's always a sore one to take to lose a derby and to lose a derby 3-0. We have to take the criticism that comes with that, but that's my responsibility. There's no excuses from me.

“I had two weeks to prepare this group. We understood the conditions we were coming into, the pitch, but that's no excuse because we prepared for that. I picked the team, I prepared the team, I worked the tactic, and we had two good weeks to work that.

“The disappointment is that we lost the game, but that is without doubt my responsibility. It's still in our own hands, we're in a situation where the goal is to stay in the league and, in order to do that, we have to respond.”

One highlight for the visitors was another strong performance from centre back Luke Graham, despite the scoreline. The defender has been heavily linked with a big money move away from the club and Pressley has continued to praise his attitude.

“I've been very consistent around Luke all season,” added Pressley. “He's a young player that's made huge strides.

“I think the important thing just now isn't the concentration on Luke. I think the important thing just now is the team, ensuring that we respond in the right manner coming next weekend.”

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