Edjenguele enjoys battles and catcalls
HE fought battles both on and off the park in his first Dundee derby.
But unfazed William Edjenguele can’t wait for the “fun” to begin again on Wednesday night.
Dundee United claimed a shoot-out bonus point in last Sunday’s Dens Park tie to secure themselves seeded status in the last 16 draw.
They were “rewarded” with yet another trip to the home of their city rivals.
For Edjenguele, last weekend’s traditional stroll up Tannadice Street – and the catcalls from opposition fans that accompany it – was a first.
The scrap with Dundee striker Sofien Moussa that followed was far more familiar.
Unsurprisingly, United’s defensive rock relished both.
Now he is ready to pick up in Wednesday’s knockout clash where he left off last time.
“The last derby was great,” said Edjenguele.
“You never know what to expect, but luckily in my career I’ve played in some big games, so there was no nerves issue.
“But it was new for me to walk from our stadium to their stadium.
“I was getting a bit of abuse after the game, but it’s all part of the fun and we came out on top.
“It was nothing serious, just a few shouts. I’ll take that because I’m so lucky to be a footballer.
“To be fair, the fan was brave, because he was short and I am 6’2”!
“But it’s all banter. You’ve got to enjoy every part of the derby, and I wouldn’t mind a bit more of it if we can win again on Wednesday.”
Shackling Dundee’s Tunisian striker Moussa will be Edjenguele’s biggest task.
The 30-year-old United star got the upper hand in last weekend’s scrap – but emerged with respect for the Dark Blues hitman.
“It was just a straight battle, and that’s how I like it,” said Edjenguele.
“I’ve no problems coming up against a physical player.
“I’m quite sure he enjoyed the battle.
“If you ask him, he’s probably looking forward to seeing me again, but I’m looking forward to it as well.
“I spoke to him a bit and he seems like a decent fella – but we play for different teams.
“I’m a physical player and so is he. That’s football.
“Further up the park, there is the pretty side to it, but at the back sometimes we are just there to do the ugly stuff.
“We’re there to do our job – no more and no less.”
The clubs are now is different divisions, but Edjenguele said: “There wasn’t really a gap.
“We’ll both have another 10 days under our belts and we’ve bodies coming back. So we shall see.”