Graeme Shinnie stresses the importance of action as Aberdeen faces a league crisis.
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Aberdeen’s struggles: Captain Graeme Shinnie calls for action over words
In a candid assessment of Aberdeen’s current plight, captain Graeme Shinnie has made it clear that mere talk will not suffice to pull the team out of its alarming slump in the Scottish Premiership.
Following a disheartening 3-0 defeat to St Mirren at Pittodrie, the Dons find themselves in a precarious position, having gone 13 league matches without a win.
Current league standing and implications
Despite their woeful form, Aberdeen remains fourth in the Premiership table, a position that currently secures a spot in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round.
However, Shinnie warns that this standing is at risk if the team does not quickly rectify its performance issues. With only four points from the last 39 available, the pressure is mounting on both players and management to turn things around.
Accountability and responsibility
Shinnie, 33, emphasized the need for accountability among the players, stating, “We need to fix this and we need to fix it fast.” He pointed out that while it is easy to talk about improvement, the real challenge lies in translating those words into action on the pitch. The captain’s frustration is palpable as he notes, “That’s where you do your talking, and we’re not just now.” With the team failing to score in their last four league matches, the urgency for change is undeniable.
Defensive frailties and team dynamics
Aberdeen’s defensive vulnerabilities were starkly exposed in the match against St Mirren, where all three goals conceded were attributed to lapses in defending long balls. Manager Jimmy Thelin has attempted to address these issues by signing three new defenders during the January transfer window, yet the team continues to struggle defensively. Shinnie remarked, “Teams aren’t having to work really hard to beat us,” highlighting the need for a more robust defensive strategy.
Character and resilience in adversity
As the Dons grapple with their worst league form since 1999, Shinnie believes this period will test the character of the squad. “It’s the biggest test, and this is the time you see what characters want it and what characters don’t,” he stated. The captain’s call to arms is clear: the players must rise to the occasion and demonstrate their commitment to the team and its supporters.
Looking ahead: The path to recovery
With the team only five points above the bottom six, the stakes are high for Aberdeen. Shinnie remains optimistic, asserting that if they can turn their form around, there is still much to play for this season. “It’s a big job now to turn this form around, but if we can do that, then we’ve still got a lot to play for,” he concluded. The coming matches will be crucial for the Dons as they seek to reclaim their competitive edge in the league.
