“Any time you get a disappointment you want to get back to winning ways as quickly as possible,” the Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes said today. He was of course referring to his own side who were comprehensively beaten in their last outing at Easter Road last weekend.
That quote of course is just as relevant for a tired Celtic squad that will drag their weary legs into Pittodrie looking to re-discover the excellent form they have displayed on their last few visits to Pittodrie, most recently in October.
“Celtic offer the toughest challenge to any team in Scotland so we’re well aware it’s a tough ask, but we’re looking forward to the game,” McInnes said today at his press conference.
“I’m looking forward to the game and hopefully setting about the task of getting a positive result against Celtic,” he said.
McInnes is well aware that Brendan Rodgers has a 100% win record against his side, including of course two cup final defeats last season. The run, he thinks, must end at some stage.
“It’s been difficult. As manager of St Johnstone and in the first few years here at Aberdeen we managed to beat Celtic a few times and I think it’s nine games that I’m reminded of. A couple of them have been cup finals, but all the games have been first against second, so they’ve been meaningful games,” he reasoned.
Last week Brendan Rodgers made 7 changes and St Johnstone were able to take advantage and win a point at Parkhead last weekend. That kind of luck never seems to be there for the Dons, McInnes reckons.
“I think Celtic treat the game the way the game should be treated as well. They’re normally at full tilt with team selection. You see their team selection against other teams and it’s not a criticism, it’s just they’re utilising their squad, but against us they always make sure their big players are always on the pitch,” he said.
“They always have a full motivated performance as they see the importance of playing against Aberdeen, who are normally the closest rivals to them, and trying to give us a slap down and win the game.
“That in turn makes it more difficult for the players. Our players should relish the challenge of that and the responsibilities of getting the result for Aberdeen. We recognise Celtic are going to be strong and we’ll strive to get individual performances from ourselves and ultimately a strong team performance,” McInnes said.
“Celtic haven’t lost many and they’ve had a few draws, but they’re nine points ahead of us and I still think they’ve got the squad that’s the strongest in the league. They’re used to playing game after game with the schedule coming back from Europe and lifting their performance.
“I don’t think there’s a better time to play Celtic. But you’ve got to realise you’re playing a team ready to set out and win. Celtic teams set out to win. We set out to win and we’re trying to win the game.
“Celtic test you more than any other team, but it’s important we have a strength, confidence and an attitude from the team that we expect to get something from the game. You’ve got to go onto the pitch believing that is the case. The real Aberdeen normally turn up,” he continued.
And McInnes realizes that the business end of the season is upon us and every point won at this stage is absolutely crucial.
“It’s the back end of the season that people remember. We are where we are in the league. Nine points behind, sitting joint second on goal difference so whatever’s happened has happened and it’s about what happens in the next eleven games and hopefully three cup games.
“You’re judged on the business end of the season and this is where we are. At least we’re in the quarter-finals of the cup and hopefully we can deliver everything we want for the season and be happy with our work come the end,” the Dons boss stated.
“Ryan Christie is obviously unavailable, and Graeme Shinnie has his second game suspension. Young Danny Harvie was back training this week and everybody else is fit and ready to go.
“Regarding Tony Watt it’s just training. He can’t sign for another Scottish club and it was just a favour. We share the same agent and was just a favour to keep Tony training. I said that earlier in the week and there’s nothing in it.”
