Neil McCann didn't hold back this week as he addressed the media ahead of Kilmarnock's crucial clash with Dundee United at Rugby Park on Saturday. The Killie boss is fuming—and for good reason.

Last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen left a bitter taste, not because his side played poorly, but because they conceded inside the opening minute for the third consecutive away game. "It was a strange dressing room," McCann admitted. "We performed really, really well, but if you don't take your chances and you don't get a bit of luck, you'll get nothing from the game."

That early goal was particularly galling. "It came from a throw-in, with a wicked deflection thrown into the mix," McCann explained. "Other than that, Max Stryjek had just one proper save to make from a header. We've got to turn that performance into points."

The frustration is mounting at Rugby Park, where Killie currently sit in the relegation play-off spot. But McCann insists survival is "completely down to us." The squad has been working overtime on finishing after hitting the woodwork three times at Pittodrie. "We weren't clinical enough," he admitted.

Despite the anger in the dressing room, McCann hasn't had to lift spirits. "I've never had to work hard picking them up," he said. "They believe in how they're playing. We're at that stage of the season where it's really important we don't let our confidence go."

There were bright spots, too. Goalkeeper Max Stryjek made a welcome return at Pittodrie after showing immense patience during his recovery from heart surgery. And Moldovan winger Nicky Clescenko impressed on his first start for the club. "He was brilliant," McCann said. "He's really been caught unaware by the pace of our game here—that's no slight on him. But finally, I felt he was due a chance, and he was exceptional. He showed exactly what he can bring in forward play."

As for Saturday's visitors, Dundee United, McCann isn't expecting any favors. "They won't turn the engine off just because they're safe," he warned. With survival on the line, every point counts—and Kilmarnock know they can't afford another slow start.