Post Match Reaction: Derek McInnes

After the match, Derek McInnes gave his reaction to the defeat at Tannadice

“It is disappointing to lose.

“We came here to win the game. I thought we had a good start to the game and had an element of control. We then gave away a goal which was poor from our point of view. It was a good finish from Muirhead but he has too much room.

“After they scored I felt the game was a bit frantic from my point of view. We lacked cool heads and composure. We threw everything at it and we did have chances. We also made changes but it became a bit like a game of basketball, where we had a chance and then they had a chance.

“We maybe should have done more with some of the chances we had. Rooney had a free header and then there was a couple of times when the ball just fell either side of some of our players in the box. Sometimes that happens.

“It was a tough match and both teams put a lot into it.

“I know how much the players put into the game and how much they wanted to send the fans home happy. The performance was not too bad but it was a bit frantic. The nature of the game, we knew the importance of winning, and that maybe had a bearing on how the game went.

“ It felt like a cup tie. Our fans played their part by coming down in good numbers. They really got behind the players and I was delighted to see the way they applauded the players at the end of the game. The players deserve that as they gave it absolutely everything.

“Recently we always knew Celtic would win the league it was just a case of whether we could determine when they won it. We therefore wanted to win but we wanted to win for ourselves more than anything. We congratulate Celtic on winning it. We felt that if they showed their true potential they would win and they have done that on a regular basis.

“We are pleased with our efforts. We have taken the Championship to four games to go. We wanted to take it to three games to go and then to two games but as I say I always thought they would win it, it was just a matter of when.

“We have improved this season, we are ten points better off from where we were at this time last year. We are more than capable of getting 80 points and we will try and get that. The intention next season will be to roll our sleeves up and give a bit more. We have every reason to be confident about next season, I have said that to the players. We will have that team in the dressing room again, a few boys will leave, a few boys will come in, but there will not be too many changes.

“With the big support we have at home and away there is now a demand on us to win every week and I think that is a good thing and something we have in us. We now have the mentality.

“I remember watching a game between Aberdeen and Dundee United here two years ago just before I took over and the game was to decide who got into the top six. Two years on, although we have lost the game today, there is still a lot to be pleased about.

“The players deserve all the credit for getting us to this stage. It is important that we maintain our standards and push on. “

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