EXCLUSIVE: Dundee’s Billy Koumetio on positive patience and Steven Pressley thoughts.

In recent matches, the French defender has sat on the bench. Billy Koumetio is trying everything he can to get into the Dundee team for this weekend’s crunch derby.

On Sunday, Dundee United will make the short trip across the street to face their fiercest opponents in the season’s first city game. Koumetio wants to be a part of the Dark Blues’ biggest game of the season thus far.

He has had to be patient this season, as Luke Graham has impressed on the left side of the back three.

‘I want to play’

Graham, on the other hand, was injured last time out against Kilmarnock, allowing Koumetio to step in. Graham appears to be fit to face the Tangerines, but the young Frenchman will still strive for selection.

“I want to play, so hopefully,” Koumetio stated in an exclusive interview with Courier Sport. “Let’s see how the week goes, and hopefully (I can play).

“I have a lot of memories from the derbies last season. “I recall Jordan McGhee playing really well at Tannadice. “The supporters provided the atmosphere.

“That was an enormous game, to be honest. And at the club, we talk a lot about derbies. “I believe this is what everyone wants to see in the city.”

“We will strive as hard as we can to present a stunning football game. “The most essential thing is to win. So maybe, we can get it for the fans.”

Positive patience

After scoring his first Dundee goal in the League Cup against Bonnyrigg Rose, Koumetio had to wait for Pressley to grant him a bench spot.

He played the final few minutes of the 1-1 draw at Ibrox before taking Graham’s place for the final 20 minutes at Rugby Park.

“I’ve had to wait a little bit,” he explained. “It’s difficult to come into a game like Kilmarnock where the tension is so high, particularly at the conclusion of the game and in this position.

“But I’m glad to be honest for a clean slate. “I believe that when you are not playing, you must maintain a positive attitude. Because if you come on and your head is down, it will just affect the team.

“It might be difficult for all of the players when they do not play and have to travel for an hour or two. “It’s annoying because as a player, you want to participate.

“But I believe we strive as hard to be positive, understand why, and be prepared. “Since the season is long, anything can happen.

Take Kilmarnock, for example. “I believe that being positive helps not only myself, but also the team. “Just being positive is the key.”

Pressley thoughts

When a new head coach does not play you, a young player may become upset.

However, Koumetio claims that Dundee manager Steven Pressley, a former international centre-back, has opened his eyes to new possibilities on the training ground.

“He’s been very good with me, to be honest,” the defender remarked. “To be honest, I was astonished at first by how much he understands about football.

“He helped me understand the importance of defending first before attacking, as I am a defender first. He has experience and sees things I don’t see. He is very specific and detailed in his analysis of any position you play in.

“And especially that he knows the position very well, he has helped me a lot, 100%.”

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