Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen is facing the most difficult challenge of his managerial career.
Former Aberdeen forward Paatelainen was coach of his country Finland’s national team for 43 games and has also been in charge of Cowdenbeath, Hibs, Kilmarnock and Finnish team TPS.
In more than a decade in the dugout, however, he has never come across a more difficult task than trying to keep the Tangerines in the Premiership.
Paatelainen said: “This is the biggest challenge of my managerial career, yes – I love it, though.
“Every time we play, I’m looking forward to it.
“The way the players respond on the training ground, I love that.
“Yes, some were disappointed and hurt on Monday after we lost the derby to Dundee but when we play again, I will see the spirit and the reaction from the players.
“I will see the flames coming from their eyes.”
Paatelainen believes United’s players can use the Scottish Cup to lift confidence for the remaining months of a difficult campaign.
Toiling as they are at the bottom of the league, they will be seen by some as ideal candidates to suffer an upset when they travel to Airdrie in the fourth round.
Were these happier times for the Tangerines, Saturday’s trip to the Excelsior Stadium to face the team sitting fifth in League 1 would be appear to be a straightforward task to be completed with the minimum of fuss.
Paatelainen’s players, though, have been unable to buy a win and he suspects the Airdrie players will fancy their chances of claiming a prize victory.
But Paatelainen feels a change of competition can work in his club’s favour and said: “Cup matches are always exciting and I always look forward to them because they are fast and furious.
“Airdrie will be saying what a great chance they have against Dundee United, whose confidence is low and who are not winning matches.
“So they will think there is a great chance for them to the get win.
“They smell blood. It won’t be easy because we are not winning enough matches.
“But I see cup competitions as an opportunity to progress and raise our confidence for the important league matches to follow for us.”