Steven Pressley insists Dundee fans should be really proud of their side despite watching them suffer a 3-1 William Hill Premiership defeat to Aberdeen at Dens Park.
The Dons took all three points thanks to an Adil Aouchiche double and a Kevin Nisbet cracker, with Ryan Astley netting what proved to be a consolation goal for the hosts.
However, Dark Blues boss Pressley was adamant the home support should be happy with the effort shown by his players.
The former Scotland defender said: “We just have to keep improving. I think if we keep playing in the manner that we have, the results will follow. I’ve said that we’ve had a tough run of games.
“There’s no doubt about that. I think there’s also got to be context. Aberdeen are a club with an enormous budget, a really good squad of players and there’s no doubt they’re an extremely dangerous side.
“But when I look at us, I look at where we were and how we’re progressing, then I think we’re making real strides in the right direction.”
Pressley added: “I’ve said this before, I know when you come away from a game at 3-1, I know supporters are disappointed.
“Our supporters should be proud of our team today, really proud. One, the way they played, but two, the intensity and effort of the group.
“So I’ve got to say I was pleased with today’s performance. Of course I’m frustrated with the goals we conceded.”
Dons boss Jimmy Thelin was naturally delighted with the result that extended his side’s unbeaten league run to six games and was especially pleased for Aouchiche.
The manager said: “It was a game of two halves as we were really strong in the first half.
“Then Dundee came out strong in the second half and created some momentum with corners and around our box so we couldn’t really get out.
“However, there’s this resilience inside the team now so that we can be stable, not get stressed and trust in our transitions when the moment is there.
“I am really happy with how we can manage that, although I still think we can improve.”
Thelin added: “Since Adil changed the position and dropped down one step he is arriving from behind with really good timing in the games.
“He can help us in the build-up but still have the capacity to run a lot and arrive into the box.
“Adil showed last time that he has that timing and today he scored two goals. I am really pleased for him.”
Some of the Aberdeen players were involved with stewards after the final whistle but Thelin insisted: “Nice emotions today after the game and I think it was nothing.”
