William Edjenguele admits he didn’t have a clue who Csaba Laszlo was when he was linked to and then handed the Dundee United manager’s job.
But he’s happy to report his first impression of the man who made his name at Hearts long before the big Frenchman arrived at Tannadice last year was exactly as expected.
“I wasn’t here when he was in Scotland before so, no, I didn’t know him. I saw he was an experienced manager and that is how he seems,” he said.
“It’s been enjoyable. He told us who he was and where he’s been, then he was good on the park in training. I guess I am going to get to know him better over the next few months.”
Since Laszlo’s appointment was confirmed on Wednesday, Edjenguele confirms there’s been an extra edge to training.
“I’m 30 but at these times you feel like an 18 or 20-year-old. You just want to go out and try to impress the new boss.
“A new manager puts everybody on their toes. Somebody who hasn’t been playing thinks they can go out and show they’re worth a look. People who have been playing also have to be alert.”
It means there will be an extra edge to the Irn-Bru Cup quarter-final against Crusaders and, after being benched for the last two games, “Edge” is desperate to be involved.
“It’s an important game because we want to win the cup, build momentum after two wins and impress the manager. Once the game starts, you don’t think about that. All you think about is winning.
“I’m disappointed about being left out because it wouldn’t be professional if I wasn’t. But you also have to be professional and accept those decisions. You have to say it was right because we’ve won the games and it’s given us a lift. “
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