A busy summer of recruitment and exacting preparation have put Dundee United in a good position to progress in Conference League qualifying, manager Jim Goodwin believes.
United kick off their season at home to UNA Strassen of Luxembourg on Thursday, giving the former St Mirren and Aberdeen boss his first experience of Europe.
The winners will go on to face Rapid Vienna or Montenegrin side Decic in the third round.
“Hopefully we can show we belong in this competition and then push on through to the group stage,” said Goodwin. “It’s a reward for all of our hard work last season and finishing fourth.”
Of the 11 new arrivals at Tannadice, Goodwin said: “I couldn’t be any more satisfied with the players we have brought in. We are very confident in ourselves.
“It has gelled together extremely well over the last few weeks.
“There is no language barrier issue. They all speak perfect English, although it takes a little bit of time to adapt to a different culture, a different pace of play.”
United have not won a European tie in six attempts since crushing Principat of Andorra in 1997.
Their last appearance came in the third qualifying round of the 2022-23 Conference League when a 1-0 home win over AZ Alkmaar was followed by a 7-0 defeat in the Netherlands.
“This is a massive game for the club – and the country – we all want success in these competitions,” added Goodwin. “That brings added pressure but my backroom team have done an amazing job planning and preparing for pre-season.
“It’s probably been the hardest pre-season that a number of these players have done in their careers.
“I’m delighted with their response and their application and I think that will show in the performances over the next 10 days.
“We’re expecting a really difficult fixture but, if we apply ourselves properly and have the correct mindset, we can come out on top.”
