Considine hails new intensity in training
Andrew Considine feels the intensity of training sessions under new Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass have been a “shock to the system”.
But the Dons defender is confident the new approach and the manager’s arrival will energise the team for their Scottish Cup clash with Livingston.
Glass has made an impact since coming out of quarantine and meeting his new players on Wednesday and Considine expects fans to see the difference in Saturday's fourthround tie. He said: “We had a meeting that morning and watched a few videos of how he expects us to play, in and out of possession, and what he expects of us – more intensity, more energy. Then it was straight out to the training park and working on it, which we have done all week.
“Heisdemandingmoreenergy in our press, more intensity, and a lot more forward movement. Already in training it has been a lot tougher.
“There's not a lot of time for rest in between sessions, you are constantly on the go and it’s high-tempo stuff. It's a bit of a shock to the system, but they feel it’s what we need as players and a team to go and attack teams. Even with a couple of days under our belt, the boys feel energised and ready to go.
“As well, when any new manager comes in, you want to impress. You can see already the boys are really at it in training, eager to impress, and each and every one of us have had to hit that reset button.“he has watched all the games this season so he has a fair idea of team selection but we are all on the same level now, we have all got to impress.
“I suppose a lot of nervous energy comes into it, when a new manager comes in. You know your place isn’t safe any more. When a new manager comes in, a lot can change. He will have his own ideas and his own players that he wants to bring in. Everybody has something to prove.”
Considine expects an instant impact for the Pittodrie clash this evening.
“There's been a clear intent from the manager in how intense he wants us to play, mostly in our press and when we are going after teams,” said the 34-year-old.
“It’'s all about high energy. I have no doubts we have those energy levels in us. It’s keeping it up for 90 minutes and doing well but the main thing is we get a result."
Livingston boss David Martindale, meanwhile, believes European football is still feasible for Livingston if they push on in the Scottish Cup or the league.
It emerged last week that the West Lothian club had failed to satisfy UEFA licence requirements over their youth academy.
But Martindale said: "We had five teams all set up last year, all recruited and ready to go, and then Covid hit. “But there is special dispensation for clubs due to sporting integrity. For talking’s sake, if someone in the Championship won the Scottish Cup, they could get special dispensation with UEFA. We believe we fall into that criteria.”
“Hopefully if we can achieve European football – and that is still a big ask – then the sporting integrity side will come into it.
“There is a lot to play for in the season, we have fifth place, potentially fourth place and the Scottish Cup at stake. But we very much work on individual games. We have a fantastic opportunity to go up to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup, which gives you Dundee United at home – and we fancy ourselves against anyone at home.”