Scottish Premiership: Will Aberdeen prolong title race after Celtic visit?
Former Aberdeen boss Barry Robson, who played for Celtic, believes the Dons need to emulate the bravery shown by Arne Slott’s Liverpool on Sunday if they are to win on Wednesday and aggressiveness.
“You can’t just go against Celtic because of their quality,” Robson told BBC Scotland. “It’s about getting the balance right: when to come on, when to press, when to get out of the game. .
“Take Liverpool’s game against Manchester City at the weekend. It’s a classic way of doing things.
“Liverpool press very well at times, they are very aggressive. Sometimes they come off the field and sometimes they play football. That’s what you need to do – you need to keep the whole thing balanced.”
Robson knows that’s easier said than done, as evidenced by Celtic’s 6-0 win over Aberdeen in the Carabao Cup semi-final at Hampden.
“This is different from the first two games,” he suggested. “At Pittodrie it’s more closed off and you can get a little closer to them and disrupt the game more. It’s a different feeling, the fans are supporting you at your home ground.”
Robson says stopping midfield duo Callum McGregor and Leo Hartart is key to containing Celtic as a whole.
“You have to try and flood the middle of the field,” he said. “They’re very creative. You have to be good at counter-pressing – any time you lose the ball, you have to react quickly. You have to get the ball back.”
“You can’t let McGregor and Hart enjoy the game. You have to make sure you take them out of their rhythm. And make sure you pass the ball forward quickly.
“That means hitting the ball towards the forwards and wide players and letting them try to attack Celtic. It’s just about being brave when you can.”
