Rodgers has raised the bar
McInnes marvels at ruthless Celtic
Derek McInnes last night applauded Celtic for the ‘remarkable consistency’ they have shown in lifting this season’s league title — and admitted Brendan rodgers’ men are the best Parkhead side he has faced as Aberdeen manager.
Frustrated his team were unable to mount a serious challenge for the Premiership crown, the Dons boss nonetheless confessed he could only admire the way Celtic have triumphed with eight games to spare.
McInnes’ side have made significant progress during his time in charge, including making ronny Deila’s team sweat before they eventually wrapped up the title in the previous two Premiership campaigns.
Three years ago, they were the only team in the entire season to beat neil Lennon’s Celtic on their way to winning the league.
What they really want this year, however, is a first scottish Cup success since 1990, which would deny rodgers and his players a coveted treble. But, as far as the league is concerned, McInnes says he had known for some time they were always aiming for second place.
Asked if this current Celtic side was the best he has faced as a manager, he replied: ‘Yeah, it would be, without question. The consistency has been remarkable, really.
‘They’ve never really had any wobble, even when the question has been asked of them — and it hasn’t been asked too often — they’ve found the answers and found a way to win.
‘Whether that’s through tactical changes or whether that’s through personnel changes, they seem to have found the squad and the manager that has found the way to win games.
‘sometimes they’ve been sparkling, like they were against Hearts, whereas other times they’ve just gone and got the job done.
‘They’ve given no encouragement to anybody, to be honest. I think you can just admire the work that has been done.
‘I think the points tally they may get will probably surpass the majority of title-winning teams there has been in their history.’
Aberdeen need just 15 points from their last eight games to set their own points record, starting with tonight’s visit from bottom club Inverness Caley Thistle.
The Dons are going for a tenth straight home win to move 13 points ahead of rangers with a massive goal-difference advantage before Pedro Caixinha’s side face kilmarnock tomorrow, followed by sunday’s trip to Pittodrie.
That would also increase the pressure on the relegationthreatened Highlanders but Dons winger Jonny Hayes insists there will be no sympathy shown towards his old club, at least until after tonight’s game.
Hayes is one of five former Inverness players currently in the Aberdeen squad, with Greg Tansey due to arrive in the summer after signing a precontract agreement.
Hayes played alongside richie Foran in the team that got Caley Thistle back to the top flight in 2010 and expects his fellow Dubliner to keep them there.
He said: ‘richie’s the ideal man for the job. not only has he got a bit of fight in him, he relates well to the players as they love him up there.
‘If richie was my manager one day, I would love to play under him. He is tough but fair and in my opinion he is very similar to Terry Butcher, who we learned a lot from during his time at Inverness.
‘They have picked up a few draws lately when they should have won and conceded a few sloppy goals, but they will be looking to iron that out.
‘I’m confident they will stay up and I would love to see them go on to win every game for the rest of the season bar the one they play against us.’
Hayes knows Tansey well from their time together at Inverness and is looking forward to the reunion this summer.
He is convinced the midfielder has all the attributes needed to become a star at Pittodrie but has warned that he will not walk straight into the team.
‘I’m delighted Greg’s signed but I hope he has a quiet game against us and thinks about his future team as he is going to be a great addition to the squad.
‘He can be a mixture of ryan Jack and kenny McLean as he can link the play like ryan does and spray passes and score goals like kenny.
‘But I don’t think anyone has ever signed here just expecting to play, as the manager has put together a decent squad with good players.
‘some have struggled to hold down a regular place, but they still enjoy being part of the squad and realise it’s about the team, not individuals.’
“You just have to admire the work that has been done”