Barry Smith is convinced no one outwith the Dundee family believes the Dark Blues have a hope of beating city rivals Dundee United.
The Dens boss feels his players have been given no chance of derby success at Tannadice on Sunday when Scottish football will welcome back one of its greatest fixtures.
It has been a seven-year wait for fans of both clubs and the anticipation level is sky-high, with United having sold all their tickets and Dundee understood to have now shifted their few remaining briefs.
As newcomers to the SPL in the most extraordinary of circumstances the demise of Rangers it is not surprising that some bookies rate Dundee as 7-1 outsiders while their opponents are as short as 4-9 on. That is why Smith believes his team almost have no pressure on them going into the game.
”It is going to be a difficult game for us and, apart from the people at the club those in the dressing room and the fans everyone will probably have written us off,” said Smith.
”So there is no pressure on us going there. Everyone expects United to win apart from us and our fans so the players can go out and enjoy the experience.
”United are on a good run of form, they did well last season and started this campaign with a good result at home. So that’s why everyone else will have them as favourities. But there is a belief in the dressing room, and among the supporters.”
The manager added: ”Ultimately, winning the game means you enjoy it and our players shouldn’t be scared about going to play United. Our (main) motivation is to go and win the derby. The extra motivation is other people are doubting the players.
”I don’t think I will have to say much to the boys beforehand and that’s normal. Derby matches tend to take care of themselves and they shouldn’t need anything extra.”
With there not having been a competitive city clash during the Dark Blues’ seven-year stint in Division One, not many on the park on Sunday will have sampled the unique atmosphere.
Smith, who will be making his derby debut as a manager along with opposite number Peter Houtson, has seen it and done it, though, and he enjoyed the experience.
”I loved playing in derbies and I am looking forward to this one just as much as a manager,” said Smith. ”It is a great experience for the players. The atmosphere in the derby matches is something special.”
Both clubs, of course, are going into the match on the back of losses Dundee in the league to St Mirren and United to Dinamo Moscow in their Europa League qualifier.
”We are coming off the back of a defeat but that won’t have any bearing on Sunday,” he said. ”The lads are focused on going out and getting a result.
”I think the number of chances we created last week was a positive. We created more than St Mirren and that’s massive, but you have to take them when you are on top.”
Smith admits that, while he has to look at the bigger picture as boss, winning this weekend will be the be-all-and-end-all of many for the 5500-strong away support.
”There will be Dundee fans who live for these games,” he said. ”These derbies might be the four most important games of the season for some of them.
”Realistically, as a manager, I have to look over a season. Of course, you want to win the derbies and if it is for bragging rights then fine. I have to say it’s another three points but I don’t want to lose a derby.”