St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has discussed the challenging nature of being back in the Scottish Premiership. The team from Perth, who sit in the upper part of the league, are trying to enjoy the experience while keeping a practical mindset following their recent promotion. They currently sit 5th in the Premiership on 11 points after eight games, with three wins and two draws, and are 10 points behind leaders Celtic.
"I’m enjoying it, but it’s a tough life, you know," Valakari stated. He emphasized the importance of staying humble.
The road back to the Premiership
Valakari, the former Finland international midfielder, took over from Craig Levein. He led the club straight back to the top division after they had dropped down, a feat he wants to use as a foundation.
Current form and upcoming fixture
St Johnstone have gathered points from their initial league matches this campaign. Their last game was a 1-0 victory away to Aberdeen on Saturday 10 October, earned from a J. Fowler penalty, which placed them in the top half. That result is part of a recent run of two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five matches. They now face a home game against Dundee United this Saturday 17 October, a team they tied with earlier in the season when the sides drew 1-1 on Wednesday 2 September. Valakari mentioned this. Dundee United currently sit 6th in the table, just one place below St Johnstone.
Player returns and injury updates
The team will be strengthened by Cheick Diabate coming back from a ban. Additionally, defender Bozo Mikulic recently played for the first time in many months as a substitute, which was encouraging after his injury absence. St Johnstone hope these comebacks will help them continue their good opening when they play Dundee United at their home ground. Valakari added. The team's season has been built on a balanced record of 10 goals scored and 10 conceded from their eight league games so far.
Further reading: heraldscotland.com
