Dons boss calls on Red Army’s ‘intelligence’
Derek McInnes last night called on the Red Army to roar Aberdeen to glory against Rijeka.
The Dons have it all to do to keep their Europa League dream alive after losing 2-0 in Croatia.
But after watching the Pittodrie crowd fuel his side’s comeback win over Hearts last weekend, McInnes wants them to create another wall of noise for Thursday night’s decisive Euro clash.
“There’s an intelligence about our crowd, particularly when it comes to European games,” said the Reds gaffer.
“They are patient when they need to be, but they back us.
“Against Hearts last weekend, our players were drained after the last European game. But because of how the crowd was, they were able to feed off them when it mattered.
“The backing we got was fantastic. It made a difference.
“I’d like to see more of that at Pittodrie because that’s what a home ground can be at its best – it can give you something extra.
“I’d like to see a similar atmosphere on Thursday, but we know what happens on the pitch contributes to that.
“The emphasis is on us to start the game well, and if we can do that, I’d like to think our supporters will respond.”
As he did last weekend, McInnes will seek to freshen his side up where he can against St Mirren.
And he expects a tough test.
“I watched St Mirren’s game against Hibs on the flight back from Rijeka,” he said. “I was impressed with them.
“They were a compact unit, but one with an attacking threat, particularly on the break.
“They were probably unfortunate not to score against Hibs on the counter, and, on what I saw, it looks like their Betfred Cup form is a million miles away.
“Jim Goodwin will have been boosted by the performance, even while being disappointed to have lost the game.
“It’s up to us to freshen things up and make sure we’re at the races against a strong outfit.”
Rijeka are another strong outfit. But McInnes believes his side are in with a chance.
“We’ve got it all to do,” he conceded. “But by no means is the tie over.
“Rijeka are in the box seat, but we’ll be positive.
“In Croatia I wanted our attacking players to provide more of a threat than they did. On the night, our defenders were our better players.
“On Thursday, I want our attacking players to be our better players – and our home performances this season have been encouraging so far.
“I’d like to think there will be a freshness to us, and we’re really after an early goal to keep us alive.”