Dundee Manager Tony Docherty’s Reaction to 2-0 Defeat Against Celtic

Dundee manager Tony Docherty conveyed to BBC Scotland his satisfaction with his team’s display, stating: “I was really pleased with the level of performance the players put in. Playing against a top, top opponent like Celtic there’s so many things to get right.” He added that after a goalless first half, “Coming in at nothing each [at half-time] I thought ‘more of the same’ and we did that.” Docherty observed Celtic’s “quality of substitutes” and believed his side was “unlucky to lose the first goal.” Regarding the second goal, he expressed feeling “a little bit hard done by for the second goal, I don’t think it was a penalty.” He further commented that “the performance of the players merited a clean sheet.” Docherty concluded this point by saying: “I’m just proud of the players tonight, the mentality and the work rate was really pleasing.” Docherty highlighted the presence of “three academy graduates in the middle of the pitch” as “the most pleasing aspect tonight,” noting that “I thought they equipped themselves well.” He emphasized that “For a club like Dundee that’s what we’re all about, improving and developing players in that arena. That’s the most pleasing thing, as well as our team performance.” The manager asserted his expectations, stating: “I demand levels of performance and I thought tonight the level was really strong.” He concluded with an optimistic outlook: “If we continue to show that spirit, mentality and quality on the ball then we’ll be ok.”