Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has challenged his players to show they are willing to be his leaders on the pitch.
There has been much introspection and soul-searching at Pittodrie following Sunday’s 4-0 mauling by Celtic at Pittodrie. The Dons boss has already apologised to the supporters and demanded more for them and himself from his side.
But McInnes is not interested in seeing anyone feel sorry for themselves. That time has gone and he expects a reaction at Accies tonight.
The Dons manager said: “I was angry after Sunday to be honest but we spoke after the game and a lot was said. I think it’s important that we don’t dwell on it. It’s not going to do us any favours. The time to do something about Sunday was on Sunday. It’s not Tuesday. We’ve just got to deal with the Hamilton game and try to instil a bit more confidence and belief in everyone. Hopefully by winning the game against Accies it’s a small step.
“We’ll soon find out (if I’ve got leaders in the team). It’s too early to predict anything. I would like us to talk more on the pitch. That’s something that every manager wants. I could hear Craig Bryson on the pitch on Sunday, encouraging, battering out instructions and pulling the back four up and telling the boys to press. That type of player is so important to any manager and the more you have the better.”
The biggest concern for the manager is the two games his side have been found most wanting in are the matches against Celtic and Rangers, who scored five without reply at Ibrox.
The Dons boss knows that it cannot continue.
He said: “That’s two games against the Old Firm that has been sadly lacking.
“In all four goals you could pick so many mistakes and the lack of conviction of any challenge.
“How we felt after we played Hibs and Motherwell, there were a lot of positives to take from both games. It’s important that we try and get back to that feeling. The only way to do that, with three games coming up, is to build a bit of momentum and put a few wins together.”
Craig Bryson is set to start after his appearance as a second half substitute on Sunday while Lewis Ferguson and Curtis Main return from suspension.