The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Laszlo says United are the underdogs
Tannadice boss believes Pars start as favourites
Dundee United boss Csaba Laszlo insists his side will be underdogs when they kick-off their Premiership promotion play-off campaign against Dunfermline at East End Park tonight.
That’s despite the fact the Pars have failed to beat the Tangerines in four games this season – indeed, you have to go back 13 matches to 2011 for the last triumph for the Fife team.
Despite that, Laszlo believes Allan Johnston’s men will start as favourites in the two-leg quarterfinal as they are the form team having gone on a long late-season unbeaten run.
The Tannadice boss said: “Dunfermline are the favourites because in the last 10 games they didn’t lose and have scored a lot of goals.
“We are not the favourite, we are just struggling away in every game and we have to look to do our best.
“Dunfermline scored four goals in their last game (Dumbarton) and against Inverness away, two goals so they are in fantastic form.”
“I count the last 10 games and they are in form. This is the feeling I have.”
However, Laszlo has told his players to revel in their underdog role.
He said: “I can handle the pressure and I’ve told my players if you go into a game where you are not the favourite, don’t be scared – just play football.
“To be the favourite is always very nice.
“I expect we can do something in these two games. To be honest with you, we reached the play-offs, this was the target but we are not in the best position.”
Laszlo admitted he would have liked more time to prepare his team for the play-offs with the final league game of the regular season taking place on Saturday at Tannadice with United beating Livingston 2-0.
However, he believes his squad can cope with the quick turnaround having had a recent gruelling schedule of midweek and weekend games.
He added: “This is now the seventh week, Tuesday and now Friday. It is nothing new for us so we have to go, we have to play, but we are now used to it.
“I think it is a little bit too quick for both teams because Saturday you had the game and now you have to go and prepare.
“Anyway, the rule is the rule and we have to go and play.”
Defender Mark Durnan is the only injury concern for the game with a swollen ankle.