Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Striker miffed goal-scoring
He was left tearing his hair out at Hamilton on Saturday as he and his Dundee team-mates missed a string of great chances before slumping to defeat.
But striker Faissal El Bakhtaoui remains convinced he can get the goals he believes the team’s play deserves.
And he also feels being partnered with big men Marcus Haber or Sofien Moussa up front can help get that goals-for column ticking over.
Last Wednesday, El Bakhtaoui was one of the heroes as his blistering opener sent the Dark Blues on the way to Betfred Cup derby victory over city rivals Dundee United.
Come the weekend, however, the French-Moroccan was one of the sinners as opening after opening at New Douglas Park went begging. And he is not going to hide from that. “It was frustrating, it was a bad day for us and sometimes that happens in football. We had too many chances and didn’t take them.
“I had a big chance myself and, if I scored, it would have been a different game, I know that.
“It didn’t happen and we just have to keep working hard and make sure we are ready for the next game.”
That next match is the daunting prospect of heading for Pittodrie this Saturday and an Aberdeen side who are already showing signs they’ll be as strong as when they finished runners-up to Celtic in last year’s top flight.
El Bakhtaoui, though, believes Dundee can give them a run for their money and if he’s paired with Haber — Moussa will again be out injured — he’ll be delighted.
“We have Aberdeen and they are a big team. This is a big game and we know we will have to work hard in training and be ready.
“I think Marcus and I are looking good and I would like it if the manager keeps us together, especially for Aberdeen.
“Marcus is big and strong and a good front player. He knows where I am and where I will make my runs and I know how he plays so we can be good together.
“It is the same with Moussa and I enjoy having a big player to play beside up front.
“It is great for me to have both them here and they help me so much during games.
“I am enjoying being in the team and