McInnes: positives outweigh negatives so far

Last updated : 22 August 2016 By Stand Free Ed

Derek McInnes pointing

The Dons have drawn both matches 0-0 as the gaffer has explored formation and personnel options following a tough Europa League qualifying campaign.

McInnes has added several new faces to the team as he attempts to deal with travel fatigue, the lack of a proper pre-season and the loss of top player Jonny Hayes to injury.

He told RedTV: "There were more positives than negatives to come out of the first two league games. We know we need to ask more questions of the opposition and do more with our possession play. For me we have been the better team in both games but we have not managed to convert that possession into goalscoring opportunities.

"We scored goals in Europe, we scored goals in the cup game down at Ayr, but against St Johnstone and Hearts we found it harder to create real opportunities. In both games though both opposition managers praised their sides for the way they defended against us. It can be hard trying to break a team down but as the home side we have to go and find the answers.

"We have to keep doing what we have been doing, keeping getting bodies forward at the right time but we need that little bit of quality in the final third.

"The way we started against St Johnstone and Hearts was good but it is the later part of the matches where we have been a bit unconvincing but as I said there have been reasons for that.

"Hopefully we can have good 90 minutes of relentless work.

"It is not easy for the new players settling into a new club. It is a new job and they are having to move families. We have tried to integrate them quickly and that has gone well but we are still getting to know them and then they are still getting to know about us and about the club and the demands of playing for Aberdeen. They were all brought here for a reason and we expect them all to play a part.

"Any new signing wants to go and make an early impression. Anthony O'Connor has been involved the past three games and he can be very pleased with his work.

"He brings real aggression but also brings good flexibility as he can play a few roles. Although if you asked him am I sure he would say his preferred position is central defence he is equally at home in a back three, at full back or in midfield. It is important to have as many options as possible.

"He is a player I wanted to bring in last season because he offers something different. He will have plenty of opportunities during the season to show how good a player he is."