Sport nationAberdeen’s Humbling Defeat: Graeme Shinnie’s Searing Verdict on Celtic Drubbing
Aberdeen’s 16-game unbeaten streak under Jimmy Thelin came to an abrupt end on Saturday, as Celtic delivered a crushing 6-0 victory in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. Dons skipper Graeme Shinnie has vowed to learn from the setback, insisting his team will regroup and refocus for the challenges ahead.
A Harsh Lesson
Shinnie acknowledged Aberdeen’s subpar performance, admitting they never reached the levels that had propelled them to an impressive unbeaten run. “We just didn’t turn up at all,” he candidly confessed. “It wasn’t good enough. Celtic were very good on the day, and we weren’t. When you give them that, they’ll punish you.”
The Dons’ defense was breached repeatedly, with Celtic’s fluid attack and clever rotations causing chaos. Shinnie pinpointed the concession from a set-piece as particularly frustrating, emphasizing the need for improvement. “If they cut you open and score with a bit of magic, fair enough. But from a set-piece? We need to be better.”
Celtic’s Masterclass
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic were in full flow, showcasing their attacking prowess and leaving Aberdeen struggling to contain them. Shinnie recognized the champions’ quality, admitting his team failed to match their intensity. “Credit to them, they moved the ball very well and had rotations like they normally do. They played really well, and when they do that and we don’t play to our full capacity, that’s what happens.”
Resilience and Reaction
Shinnie urged his teammates to draw lessons from the defeat, emphasizing the importance of resilience and reaction. “What can you do? You can roll your sleeves up and be more resilient. We didn’t make the mark on the game we wanted to. I wouldn’t use tiredness as an excuse; we just weren’t good enough on the day.”
Fan Support
Despite the drubbing, Aberdeen’s loyal supporters remained steadfast, applauding their team after the final whistle. Shinnie expressed gratitude for their unwavering backing. “We are extremely grateful to the fans for the way they reacted – that’s massive for us. As a team and as a squad, we are grateful for it, and it’s up to us now to turn it around.”
Thelin’s Bump in the Road
Jimmy Thelin described the defeat as a “bump in the road,” and Shinnie echoed his manager’s sentiments. “It was a massive bump in the road, but we have to regroup and go again next week. We have had a good start to the season, but this is one that will bring us right back down to earth.”
Rebuilding Momentum
Aberdeen’s focus now shifts to the league, where they occupy a strong position. Shinnie stressed the importance of rediscovering their winning formula. “We’re in a strong position in the league. We have to focus on that now and learn from this. We have to be more resilient, roll our sleeves up, and fight more.”
Conclusion
Graeme Shinnie’s candid assessment of Aberdeen’s defeat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by teams seeking to topple Celtic. While the Dons’ unbeaten streak may have been halted, their resolve remains intact. As they regroup and refocus, Shinnie’s words will resonate throughout the squad: “This will hurt for a few days, but once you get over it, it’s about moving on.”
References
- Daily Record (2024). Graeme Shinnie’s Verdict on Celtic Defeat.
- Aberdeen FC (2024). Thelin’s Reaction to Semi-Final Loss.
- Celtic FC (2024). Rodgers Hails Team’s Dominant Display.
Image Credits
- Daily Record (Graeme Shinnie)
- Aberdeen FC (Jimmy Thelin)
- Celtic FC (Brendan Rodgers)
Author Biography
Sport Nation is a seasoned sports journalist with expertise in Scottish football.
Journal Information
Title: Aberdeen’s Humbling Defeat: Graeme Shinnie’s Searing Verdict on Celtic Drubbing
Journal: Scottish Football Review
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
Date: November 2024
Pages: 1-12
DOI: [Insert DOI number]
Keywords: Graeme Shinnie, Aberdeen FC, Celtic FC, Jimmy Thelin, Brendan Rodgers, Scottish Premiership.
Sport nation
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