Pressley 'under no illusions' about Dundee task

Steven Pressley "was under no illusions this was going to be a difficult job" as he seeks a response from Dundee following defeat by Airdrieonians.

The 51-year-old was a surprise appointment last month following the sacking of Tony Docherty in May.

Pressley's Scottish Premiership side sustained defeat in their opening Premier Sports Cup group match on Saturday, losing 1-0 at home to second-tier Airdrie in his 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."

And 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.

"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 around 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.

"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. I really mean that and it has allowed us to one, focus on certain things on the grass that need improving, but two, making adjustments to the quality of player that we have."