Aberdeen's skipper Graeme Shinnie calls for a stronger mentality following a heavy loss to Rangers.
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In a candid assessment following a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox, Aberdeen’s captain Graeme Shinnie has stressed the importance of learning from the experience. The Dons suffered a catastrophic second half, conceding all four goals, which left Shinnie and his teammates reeling.
The 33-year-old midfielder acknowledged that the team ‘fell apart’ and emphasized the need for a stronger mentality when facing adversity.
Understanding the mental game
Shinnie pointed out that the Dons’ mentality must be a focal point of their analysis in the aftermath of the loss.
He noted that when the team went a goal down, they struggled to maintain their composure and adherence to their game plan. “Sometimes when you come to places like Ibrox, people want to make up for it when you go a goal down,” he explained. “And sometimes you can do the wrong things in trying to do that.” This highlights a crucial aspect of football: the mental resilience required to bounce back from setbacks.
Post-match analysis and preparation
Following the match, Shinnie revealed that an in-depth post-mortem was conducted by both the management and the squad. The aim is to identify the shortcomings and devise a strategy for their upcoming clash against Celtic. “It’s a big lesson and one we have to analyze over the next couple of days,” he stated. The Dons are set to face Celtic not only in the league but also in the Scottish Cup final, making it imperative for them to regroup and refocus.
Looking ahead to crucial matches
The timing of the defeat could not have been worse for Aberdeen, as they prepare for two critical matches against a Celtic side chasing a treble. Shinnie remains optimistic despite the challenges ahead, stating, “It will be very tough, but we will still give it our all and try to get third.” With only two games left in the season, the pressure is on the Dons to perform and secure their place in the Premiership standings.
As the team gears up for the Scottish Cup final, Shinnie dismissed any notion that thoughts of the cup might have distracted the players during the match at Ibrox. “These types of performances have happened during the season before,” he said. “It’s about taking each individual game as it comes.” With a renewed focus and determination, Aberdeen aims to turn their fortunes around and make a strong statement in the upcoming fixtures.
