Craig Sibbald is adamant Dundee United will “come back fighting” following a “strange” campaign to date.
The Tangerines will spend the World Cup hiatus propping up the Premiership following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Aberdeen.
Liam Fox’s men are three points adrift of Kilmarnock and Ross County as they bid to mount a survival push in the second half of the season.
There have been highs. An unforgettable home triumph over AZ Alkmaar and 4-0 demolitions of Aberdeen and Kilmarnock spring to mind.
However, those have been outweighed by the lows, ranging from a 7-0 reverse in the Netherlands, a 9-0 defeat against Celtic and the tumultuousness of Jack Ross exiting the club after just 10 weeks at the helm.
As such, United find themselves in a precarious position.
And it is one Sibbald is determined to help them escape.
“The season has been a bit strange,” reflected Sibbald.
“We HAVE shown the heights we can hit — so we have to look at those good things we have done. However, we also need to look at the bad stuff and learn the lessons from what we have done wrong.
“We know we need to be more consistent to climb up the table.
“This break is unusual. We normally get a wee break in January but it is strange having it at this time.
“We’ll keep fit during the time off. We have a running programme so we will be keeping sharp — then come back fighting.
“It will be like a mini pre-season and will give us the chance to reset, go again and kick on from there.
“It gives us time to get things right on the training pitch. Hopefully, that’s a real positive and we can come back firing on all cylinders and have a good start to the next part of the season.”
Structure
Sibbald’s own season has been somewhat topsy-turvy.
The former Falkirk and Livingston man started the campaign with fine showings against Kilmarnock and AZ before falling out of favour — playing just 108 minutes between August 14 and October 8.
However, he has returned to the fold in recent weeks, adding a combative edge to an improving central midfield area; the engine room being a persistent problem child earlier this term.
And he will keep fighting for his spot when the action resumes.
“I feel I have been playing quite well,” added Sibbald. “You have to be at it every day to get into our starting team.
“That’s what you want — competition for places, as it makes you a better player.”
He added: “We have sorted the midfield out and we feel like we are more solid now. That’s what the manager was asking for. We just have to keep our structure better and see out games.”
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