Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie looks to bounce back after defeat

Aberdeen's captain emphasizes the importance of moving forward after a tough match against Celtic.

In the wake of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Celtic, Aberdeen’s captain, Graeme Shinnie, is determined to shift focus towards their upcoming match against St Johnstone. The Dons’ impressive streak of 15 consecutive victories across league and cup competitions came to an abrupt halt, leaving the team and its supporters eager for a quick turnaround.

Reflecting on the Celtic match

The recent match at Pittodrie was a tightly contested affair, with Celtic’s Reo Hatate scoring the decisive goal just 12 minutes before the final whistle. Despite the loss, Shinnie expressed pride in his team’s performance, noting the passionate support from the home crowd.

He stated, “It’s the best I’ve seen since I’ve played here. It makes a massive difference to us on the pitch, so we’re massively appreciative of that as a squad and as a club.” The atmosphere generated by the fans, he believes, is a crucial motivator for the players.

Looking ahead to St Johnstone

As the Dons prepare for their next challenge, Shinnie emphasizes the need for recovery and focus. “As soon as one game ends, you look towards the next one, and the next one’s coming thick and fast, which is good,” he remarked. The team is keen to capitalize on their home advantage and aims to start a new winning streak against St Johnstone. Shinnie acknowledged the importance of maintaining momentum, stating, “We want to continue that whole season.” The captain’s optimism is palpable as he encourages his teammates to build on the positives from their recent performances.

Positives from the defeat

Despite the disappointment of the loss, Shinnie highlighted several encouraging aspects of the game. Goalkeeper Ross Doohan stepped up admirably in the absence of the injured Dimitar Mitov, showcasing his skills with crucial saves. Additionally, players like James McGarry and Dante Polvara made significant contributions, demonstrating the depth of the squad. Shinnie noted, “It’s a squad game, and you need everyone. It’s really encouraging that these boys are coming in and playing well, so long may that continue.” This collective effort is vital as the team seeks to regain their winning form.

Maintaining a positive outlook

With the Dons currently sitting second in the league, Shinnie remains optimistic despite a run of four matches without a win. He believes there is no cause for concern, stating, “There’s no need to be worried, anyway. We’re still second in the league.” The captain is aware of the challenges ahead but insists that the team can learn from their recent experiences. He reflected on the matches against St Mirren and Hibs, where missed opportunities cost them valuable points. Shinnie is committed to analyzing their performances and ensuring they capitalize on their chances moving forward.

As Aberdeen looks to bounce back, Shinnie’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through this challenging period. The Dons are eager to return to winning ways and make their supporters proud in the upcoming fixtures.