Danny Rohl spoke to the media this morning:
Morning Danny. Can you bring us up to speed with the injury news ahead of the weekend?
Andrea Skov Olsen obviously missed the last game.
Yeah. We will make a final decision tomorrow. We have some small issues and one bigger issue. One player will definitely be out, but I will not say who today. You will see tomorrow. It was unfortunate in training, but these things happen in football.
Skov Olsen is back. He has trained consistently for the last two weeks, which is good.
More generally, we need to find the right balance with freshness. When you play multiple matches in a short period, you usually do not want to change too much after a strong performance like the one against Aberdeen. However, players have trained a lot and travelled, so I have to consider everything before making decisions.
I am confident we have good and fresh players ready. We had a strong training period, including during the international break when many players stayed. They have the quality to start, which makes me comfortable for tomorrow.
Without revealing the identity of the player missing, will it just be for this match or longer?
Unfortunately, it looks like it could be a bit longer. Hopefully he returns before the split, but it is more likely he will be back during the split.
Tomorrow against Dundee United, the team has a chance to go top for the first time in two years. Psychologically, how big is that?
We are really looking forward to the game. We want to take the next win.
After an international break, the first match can take time to settle. That is why I may trust players who stayed and trained together over the last two weeks. We need the right balance.
It feels good going into the match, but the best feeling will come after the game if we win and go top. We have to work hard. We have faced them twice this year and not won, so this is a new challenge. They performed well against Celtic and we are prepared. It will be difficult.
How do you assess your form, both individually and collectively?
I was very happy with both the result and performance against Aberdeen. It was strong and created a great atmosphere, a perfect way to go into the break.
Now we need two more wins before the split. After that, the final five games will be very interesting. But we must take it step by step, starting with tomorrow.
Do you still expect this title race to go to the final day?
So far, yes. But you never know. It is interesting that the top three rarely all win at the same time. That shows how competitive it is.
We must consistently take points. If we keep winning step by step, we have a great opportunity. I see us in a strong position. Even with this injury, most players are available. We have confidence and must take the next step tomorrow.
You mentioned Derek Cornelius before the break. Have you spoken to him and will he stay with the group?
I will speak to him today. He will return to training and be part of the group again.
How important is it to play first and put pressure on rivals?
Ask me tomorrow if it feels nice. But yes, it can be good. Recently we have played on Sundays and seen other results first. Now we have the chance to set the tone. If we do our job, it is a good feeling. But what matters most is being top at the end of the season.
We still see ourselves as the hunters. We want to chase wins and control our opponents with that mindset.
Dundee United say they will come with no fear. How do you bring back that fear factor?
That is up to us. If we play at our highest level, with intensity and speed, we have the tools to hurt teams. We have scored a lot of goals, which is positive.
I wanted more clean sheets, and I was not happy to concede against Aberdeen, but overall it was strong. We need that again. It is about taking three points and climbing the table.
Did you expect to be in this position when you arrived?
In football, everything is possible. When I arrived, I knew it would take time. I did not know how quickly we could progress.
The goal was to reach the split within touching distance. Now we are in a good position. But if we do not keep winning, things can change quickly. Consistency is key.
If we win all seven games, we win the league. But it is a long way to go. We start tomorrow.
Do you have a points target in mind?
No. It does not make sense to think that way. We go game by game.
Seven wins would be ideal, but I do not know how many points will be needed. Our goal difference has improved, which is important. We have scored more and conceded less.
Tomorrow will be tough. They are aggressive and organised. Possession is not everything. We must focus on ourselves, avoid mistakes, and then we have a great chance.
How do you view the split?
I expect it to be very exciting. With three teams so close, anything can happen. After two matches, you could be six points ahead or still behind.
For neutral fans, it is one of the most exciting title races in Europe. As a manager, you look forward to it because you know your team can win it.
But first, we need two more wins before the split.
How are you feeling emotionally heading into the run-in?
I feel good. I see the development in the group. We are mentally strong.
We bounced back from difficult moments and produced a strong performance against Aberdeen. That gives me belief. The group is confident and has the quality to win the league.
What are the plans for the break during the Scottish Cup weekend?
We will go on a short training camp. It has many advantages.
It helps both on and off the pitch. The group can spend time together and build chemistry. We will also have time to discuss summer plans with the board.
We hope to play a friendly to give everyone minutes. Overall, it is a positive step and the club supports it.
How far along are you with summer targets?
We have regular meetings every week to analyse players and profiles.
We are clearer now on what we need and how we want to play. That helps us identify the right players.
There is a lot to prepare. Loan players return, contracts need managing, and there may be early qualifiers. But we know our direction and are building the club’s identity.
For now, though, the focus is on the seven finals ahead.
Emanuel Fernandez made his international debut and scored. What does that say about his progress?
It shows development and belief. When I arrived, he was not ready to start. But injuries gave him a chance and he stepped up.
Now he performs consistently. He still has things to improve, but his progress is excellent. Moving from League One to international level shows what is possible here.
We want to develop players and increase their value. But consistency is key. Football is always about the next game.
If he continues this progress, can he reach a very high level?
Yes. He has the tools. He is calm on the ball and improving defensively. He contributes goals and performs well even playing on the left with his right foot.
I trust him and I am happy with his development. Now he must continue.
Finally, how pleased were you to see Findlay Curtis make his Scotland debut?
I was very happy. It is great to see our players getting international minutes.
Even though he is not here right now, he is still part of us. He deserved the call-up and now he has had a taste of international football.
Hopefully he continues his progress. If not, he will return and can help us next season.