Midfielder Leighton Clarkson emphasizes the need for perspective despite recent setbacks.
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Aberdeen FC is currently navigating a challenging phase in their season, with a five-game winless streak casting a shadow over their impressive start. Midfielder Leighton Clarkson has spoken out, insisting that it is “not all doom and gloom” at Pittodrie, despite the team’s recent struggles.
After a record-breaking unbeaten run of 11 games, the Dons have found themselves falling behind in the league standings, trailing nine points behind leaders Celtic.
Recent form raises concerns
The Dons’ recent form has been a cause for concern, with only three points earned from the last 15 available.
This slump has led to frustration among fans, who expressed their discontent through boos during matches. Clarkson acknowledges the disappointment but urges fans to maintain perspective, highlighting that Aberdeen still sits second in the Premiership. “We are still in a really good position, so it’s not all doom and gloom,” he stated, emphasizing the need to regain their earlier form.
Character and confidence under scrutiny
Clarkson believes that the current situation serves as a test of character for the team. He noted that while the spirit remains intact, the quality of play has dipped in recent weeks. The midfielder pointed out that the team needs to be more dynamic and aggressive in their play, particularly in terms of passing and creating scoring opportunities. “The games we drew recently felt like losses, even though we did get something out of them,” he remarked, indicating a sense of urgency to improve.
Addressing the fear factor at Pittodrie
Historically, Pittodrie has been a fortress for Aberdeen, but Clarkson noted that the fear factor for visiting teams has diminished. He expressed the importance of creating an intimidating atmosphere for opponents, stating, “For opposition players to come here, they should fear it.” The Dons’ recent performances have not instilled that fear, and Clarkson believes it is the team’s responsibility to give fans something to cheer about.
Looking ahead: A call for improvement
As Aberdeen faces its first major setback under manager Jimmy Thelin‘s three-year plan for sustained success, Clarkson emphasized the need for improvement. The team must focus on being more aggressive in their attacking play, increasing the number of crosses into the box, and playing through the lines effectively. “We threw everything at it, but just couldn’t get enough shots away,” he lamented after a recent match against St Johnstone.
Despite the challenges, Clarkson remains optimistic about the team’s potential to bounce back. With the right mindset and a return to their earlier form, Aberdeen can reclaim their position among the league’s elite. As they prepare for upcoming fixtures, the Dons will need to harness their resilience and determination to turn their fortunes around.
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