First Team
STORY OF THE MATCH | DUNDEE (A)
21st January 2025
Dundee United’s Vicko Ševelj spoke after the team’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Dundee FC in a hotly contested derby at Dens Park.
Despite a positive second-half performance, the Tangerines were left disappointed after several missed opportunities and a string of remarkable saves from former player, Trevor Carson.
Reflecting on the match, the 24-year-old admitted that the slow start was costly for the team. “I would say in the second half we were a much better team, and we had so many chances, but today we just couldn’t get the ball into the goal,” he explained. “A slow start for us cost us today, but for a lot of the last forty-five minutes, we were the better team, and we should have won this one.”
Support From The Stands
The second half saw Jim Goodwin's side surge forward relentlessly, backed by the passionate travelling support who made the shortest journey in football to take their place behind the goal and in the main stand at Dens.
The fans played a significant role in lifting the team, a fact he was quick to acknowledge. “They were all our twelfth player. I can’t describe how good that crowd was,” he said. “I had two chances today, and I can’t believe we didn’t score. It was crazy.”
The frustration was visible as the team hit the bar, forced several saves, and even saw two goals ruled out. “Great goalkeeping, I have to say, but we should score at least one. I’m confident that if we scored one, we would be in the next round.”
Despite the result, the midfielder remained optimistic, highlighting the numerous chances created as a positive takeaway. “I think on another day, we will score at least three here. We had two or three cleared off the line and even two disallowed goals. That’s very tough to take.”
Next Up
The focus shifts quickly to the crucial upcoming game on Sunday, against Rangers when the first team returns to league business in front of the Sky cameras. “We have to think immediately about Rangers now. On Sunday, we have a big chance” when asked about United’s league position. “We want to stay there, all of our minds are on Sunday.”
When asked about his experience of Scottish football since joining Dundee United, he expressed his satisfaction with both the league and life off the pitch. “I’m enjoying living here. Of course, we are third in the table. We’re a newly promoted team, so we’re buzzing,” he shared.
While the loss was disappointing, he emphasised the team’s resolve to maintain their strong season. “We will give everything like we gave everything here in the second half (at Dens). There are ten games before the split, and we want to take the highest position possible,” he concluded.
As the team shifts focus to the next challenge, Dundee United supporters can take heart in their side’s fighting spirit and the promise of more to come in a season full of potential.
