Mixu out to silence Dundee fans’ taunts

DERBY: Manager claims some Dark Blues supporters are keen to ‘nail’ survival bid

Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen believes there will be Dundee fans at the derby who are keen to “nail” the survival hopes of their city rivals.

The Finn also speculated that there will be some who back the Dark Blues – perhaps in the minority – who will want the Tangerines to pull off a great escape in order to keep the fixture going next season.

You get the feeling, though, that those in the United camp are expecting to hear a few taunts about their bottom-of-the-table position.

The only thing that might keep the away stands at Tannadice quiet is a win for the home team and that is exactly what Pa ate lain en hopes his players can give their own set of fans on Sunday.

Asked if this match was the most important all-city clash for many a year, Paatelainen said: “I think this one is a special one because of where we are.

“I am sure the Dundee supporters will look to come to Tannadice in good numbers and nail us, beat us and make sure we stay where we are and reduce our chances of survival.

“Of course, that is natural. I am sure the Dundee players feel that way too.

“Maybe there is a section of Dundee supporters who feel: ‘No, derby matches are so special during the season and I hope they survive – they deserve it.’

“But these things are secondary and our players and coaching staff don’ t really think about these things at all.

“We want to make sure we give ourselves the best chance to stay up and go forward.

“Derbies are massive because you want to beat your city rivals, of course you do. “Players feel derbies are special. “You would not be a full-hearted Dundee United player if you didn’t.

“The boys will go out there with – what shall I say? – the right amount of goosebumps. There will not be too much but enough for a match like this one.”

Of course, victory for United will deal a blow to Dundee’s top-six ambitions so close to the Premiership split.

That is of no concern to Paatelainen, however.

He added: “We don’t think on those lines. We don’ t think about doing harm to them at all. That’s not our objective.

“Our target and reason why we want to do well this weekend is simply to help our cause for survival.”

While he is expecting the United fans to be subjected to banter from their rivals, he hopes to reward them for standing by the team throughout a tough season.

“This season has been horrendous for us,” he admitted.

“The way our supporters have backed us and been there in good numbers – very, very good numbers in fact – is tremendous. It has been very important for us. I know Tannadice will be electric on Sunday, absolutely, because fans feel like that and we feel like that.

“The Dundee supporters and players, everybody, will feel like that.

“We hope to win and I am looking forward to it – it will be a great occasion.”

Picture: SNS. Mixu Paatelainen has called on his players to show the “right amount of goosebumps” for Sunday’s Tannadice derby.