Dundee United Manager Jim Goodwin spoke to the broadcast media to preview our William Hill Premiership clash with Kilmarnock on William Hill Premiership Matchday 13.
The boss underlined the importance of making a return to winning ways, eradicating mistakes and using the depth of his full-strength squad as the Terrors prepare for a trip to Ayrshire.
Watch the full press conference below!
ON SHOWING A POSITIVE REACTION
We’re looking for a positive reaction to a disappointing result and performance last weekend. The goals we conceded were well highlighted.
We never gave ourselves a fighting chance conceding two goals so early, and the game plan at that point goes out the window.
We’ve shown numerous times this season that we’re capable of being a good team. We’ve had positive results up to now, but any mistake we make at the back seems to get punished, and that was the case against Falkirk.
We’ve worked on a few things this week and hopefully we’ll see an improvement in our defensive structure and in what we do on the ball going forward.
ON INCONSISTENCY AND ERRORS
Yevhenii is a very honest boy. He doesn’t need to be told when he’s made a mistake. He held his hands up after the game. It was disappointing for him and for the team, but we’re all in this together, and when someone is going through a difficult period like he is, it’s important for myself, the staff and the players to rally round him.
Mistakes in that position often lead to the opposition scoring, and his mistakes at the weekend went punished. In professional sport, you can have good days and bad days, and you have to respond positively when bad times come.
I had a good conversation with him early in the week to let him know we’re with him. He has the full support of the staff and players. This game has ups and downs.
I had more lows than highs in my own playing career. It’s a test of character. You need determination and resilience, and he has that.
We have a strong goalkeeping department with an experienced number two in Dave Richards. We built the squad this way for situations like injury, suspension or poor form. Dave is chomping at the bit for an opportunity – time will tell if he gets that.
Making difficult decisions is part of my job, whether I keep him in or make a change – I’m not going to give too much away before the game, but we’re all in this together.
We had a poor performance against Falkirk, losing 3–0, and we know the reasons. We’ve also had very good performances. Away to Hearts at Tynecastle was one of our best, and we probably should have won.
The inconsistency in the group is something we’ve spoken about again this week. Falkirk are a great example of what a good run can do in this league.
ON KILMARNOCK’S POOR RUN OF FORM
Kilmarnock aren’t in the best of form. As low as we felt after Falkirk, you look at what they’re going through having lost their previous six, and we have to try to use that to our advantage.
However low we felt, things won’t be too bubbly in their dressing room, so we have to utilise that and keep the pressure on them.
Kilmarnock is always a difficult venue – they’re well supported and the surface probably plays a part. Teams don’t get excited about playing on that type of pitch, but there are no excuses. We must go down there with a positive mindset, believing we have enough to get three points.
The result is going to be huge for both teams. After losing our last game we want a positive reaction. I’m sure Kilmarnock feel the same after their run. The game is important to both sets of players, but I believe we have enough to come out on top.
ON REMAINING UNFAZED BY THE ROLLERCOASTER OF A FULL CAMPAIGN
I’m not concerned about our recent run. We’re not far off the points total we had at this time last season. The league is very competitive and all teams go through dips in form.
We’ve already seen that with Celtic and Rangers changing managers, and Kilmarnock losing six in a row. Aberdeen were on a poor run too. Everybody goes through difficult moments – it’s about how you react.
My focus is fully on Dundee United. I have great confidence and belief in this group. They’ve shown they’re capable of beating any team. We just need to do it consistently.
ON THE SQUAD RETURNING TO FULL STRENGTH
We had a good bounce game early in the week against Ross County for Ross Graham, Max Waters and Ryan Strain—players who haven’t played much recently and are returning from injury.
It was a worthwhile exercise to get minutes and confidence back into their bodies so they know the injuries are healed and they can force their way back in. These are great options for me to have.
Team news is fine. We’re in a good place and want to make amends for last weekend. The surface doesn’t affect muscle injuries; you’d be more concerned about knees and ankles. Muscle injuries aren’t an issue with the change of surface.
ON MAX WATTERS OFFERING A DIFFERENT DYNAMIC TO THE FRONTLINE
He has a different skill set to the other strikers. He showed early in the season what he brings. At that time we didn’t have many options up front and couldn’t rotate as much as we wanted, which possibly led to his injury.
He’s experienced, knows where the net is, and enjoys the physical side, which he’ll need against Kilmarnock’s three centre-backs. We’re excited to see him back because he gives us a different option.
ON MANAGING MINUTES
We need to be mindful that the likes of Ross, Max and Ryan don’t yet have full match fitness. Training helps but match sharpness takes time. We need to be patient. They might not be able to play three 90-minute games in a week.
With three games coming up, it will take a lot out of the group, but with a fully fit squad we have fantastic options—something we haven’t had for a long time.
Hopefully we don’t pick up more injuries going into the congested Christmas period. We have the luxury of being able to freshen things up along the way.
