“I did say that last week we looked a bit short of match fitness in the last stages of the game but I felt having had that game we got the strength, the competitive edge to help us get into this one. With another week’s training, it showed. In hindsight, we should have played another game in the pre season. I would have taken these points into consideration if we bowed out tonight.
“I feel this game instead of game 4 should have been game 5. I was always confident of the game we had last week and the week’s training we put in, the competitiveness and the energy we put in there was evident tonight. The atmosphere gets the juices flowing, brings that competitive element out in the team and we got stronger and stronger as the game went on.”
When asked about the performance of Ryan Christie and Gary MacKay-Steven, he was delighted with the performance.
“Both lads are capable of bringing the quality in the side as you must have seen with the goal. We had in mind to do a double switch between 60 and 70 minutes. Last one between 70 and 75, if we needed a goal. I think all the boys played their part in softening the opposition. We had control in the first half, without causing too many problems but it was important to quieten the crowd and not lose a goal and be comfortable because the opportunity will come. When you’ve got players like them, their quality helps. I think Maynard made a brilliant run to drag the centre-back away to allow the pass to Stewart. All in all everyone contributed.”
McInnes was wary of the opposition’s threat but knew the capabilities of his defence; this is what he had to say about the well struck volley from Kristanovic.
“They got a bit lucky from the half way line, the ball kicked up and you could see him peeling off the back post. He caught that volley well, too well to be honest but it was good height for the keeper and when you’ve got a keeper like Joe Lewis, you’re always confident that he will keep it out. He’s invaluable just by taking the pressure off of us in that situation, you see him above everyone else when the cross is coming in. We defended really well as a team, their chances were few and far between. They tried to counter as we expected and it was our job to look after the ball better. I think MClean did that for us. Shinnie was all over the park, turning over possession in our favour. I don’t think we had a failure tonight and everyone played their part.”
When asked about the Aberdeen supporters Derek responded:
“I shouldn’t be commenting on it, we got to hear about it last night instantly and it’s disappointing. It’s nothing to do with Siroki Brijeg but just shows you, you need to be on your guard and be aware the situation can change instantly. Thankfully, nobody was badly hurt and hopefully, doesn’t put many of the fans off for travelling to Cyprus. We know a lot of supporters and met them in the town this morning who were involved in the incident. It’s not nice to hear such things and have such incidents. The most important thing, hopefully, is winning the game and I hope this doesn’t stop our fans from travelling to Cyprus.” When questioned about today’s opponent and the opponent to come, he seems to be focussed on what needs to be done:
“This game was always going to be difficult and challenging, we were confident of scoring here and once we did I thought we were in control of the game. We got stronger as the game went on and after the first leg, the players’ fitness and sharpness was clear.
“I have to watch the games of Apollon Limassol on the laptop on the way back home, get to know them better and get a handle over them. The scouts were in Moldova tonight and Cyprus last week; we will have a good time and rest tomorrow. We will assess the level of the team we’re going to play. It’ll obviously be difficult, but I’ll think we’ll be better having had this tie and more importantly coming through it and hopefully be ready for the next challenge.”
Kari Arnason will be available for the next tie; McInnes looked excited about his availability,
“Thankfully, nobody picked up any injuries but it’s good to have Kari available and he’ll also get a game on Sunday against Brechin and as will other lads that haven’t started games to help them more available.”
“Thankfully, nobody picked up any injuries but it’s good to have Kari available and he’ll also get a game on Sunday against Brechin and as will other lads that haven’t started games to help them more available.”
