Dundee’s defensive stance explained as ‘change the narrative’ challenge laid down.

Dundee can “change the narrative” of their season by resolving their home issues when Motherwell visit Dens Park on Saturday.

The Steelmen come in the City of Discovery after a strong start to the season, with Jens Berthel Askou’s style of play receiving widespread plaudits. The Dark Blues have received little praise, however. Some were hoping for good draws on the road against Rangers and Kilmarnock.

However, a disappointing defeat in the home derby against Dundee United last time out turned things negative after a tumultuous summer. That extended the Premiership’s drought of only one home victory in 2025, a statistic Pressley intends to improve sooner rather than later.

Please our home fans

He has also told his team that, despite all of Motherwell’s success this season, Dundee will overtake them in the table if they can win a crucial game.

“It’s critical that we gain momentum at home and please our fans,” the Dens’ head coach stated.

“I think that’s a big thing and this weekend obviously gives us an opportunity to do so. “We need to address our home form.

“One thing we must remember is that we are playing Motherwell, who are unbeaten this season and have received a lot of praise for the way they have performed. “But if we win the game at the weekend, we will surpass them. “We need to remember that.

“We have an opportunity to outperform a team that has garnered numerous accolades for their efforts. “So there’s a great opportunity for us there, and we can really shift the narrative with a strong performance.

“That’s really what I want to see.

“I’d like to see some of the steel we showed against Rangers and Kilmarnock, as well as a little more of the offensive parts. “We know we are better than our performance against Dundee United.

“Over the last two weeks, we have concentrated on the offensive aspects. “We didn’t work United hard enough defensively and we have to improve on that.”

Defensive tactics explained

Dundee have been criticised for their lack of attacking danger, particularly in that derby, but also in past home games against Hibs.

Pressley explains: “We have to remember that the side has conceded the most goals in the Premiership over the last two years.

“We’re still working with the same defenders, and some of them didn’t even play for that squad last season. “So, one of our jobs is to improve our structural and defensive capabilities.

“We worked hard on that, and we gained some recognition for it. “At the same time, these were definitely games where we weren’t anticipated to attack as much, so we could sit in, be more defensive, and transition more.

“When you concede an early goal versus United, it affects what we have to accomplish. “We definitely weren’t prepared well enough for that, and it will take time and a lot of work, as I’ve already stated, but hopefully we will get there.

“It’s trying to find that sweet spot where we try to amend some of the deficiencies, but equally we try to become a little bit more exciting at the top end of the pitch.”

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