Pressley on derby comeback, Tynecastle trip & safety target

ASFN Admin · Mar 18, 2026

Dundee manager Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premiership trip to leaders Hearts.

Here are the key lines:

Pressley says the dramatic late comeback for a 2-2 derby draw with United demonstrates "that grit and determination" his side have been showing and continues their "feelgood factor" with a five-game unbeaten run.
But there was "a lot to learn" and "lessons" to take from the game about what can happen when performance levels dip.
Pressley says it will take "our best performance of the season" to beat Hearts in Gorgie.
Asked if they can become the first team to win at Tynecastle this term, he says Dundee "embrace challenges and adversity" but reiterated the level of performance required.
The former Tynecastle skipper rejects the notion all the pressure is on Hearts in the title race, saying: "Having played at Hearts I understand the club. There's always an expectation there and they've done so well this season but I think a lot of people externally think that probably Rangers or Celtic will just nick it."
Despite Dundee's improving form their priority remains securing survival. "History tells you around a point per game will guarantee you safety," says Pressley. "We're only on 32, we need to at least reach 38. So we know that minimum we need another couple of wins and we want to do that as quickly as possible."
The Dark Blues have "virtually a full squad" for Tynecastle. A bounce game against Carlisle allowed game-time for players such as Clark Robertson, Billy Koumetio and Scott Wright as they chase full fitness.

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