Chris Cadden has urged Aberdeen FC to use their Rangers disappointment as fuel for their upcoming match against Celtic. The Dons host the champions at Pittodrie this Wednesday, seeking to avoid a third league defeat in four games.
What did Chris Cadden say about the Rangers game?
Cadden felt his team were unlucky to lose 1-0 to Rangers on Sunday. A Lawrence Shankland penalty decided the match, but Aberdeen were left frustrated by a disallowed goal and other key decisions. The defender said the team must now focus on the positives and move forward quickly.
"We're not happy with getting beat, of course we're not," Cadden stated. "But we'll take the positives and what we can improve on and go on to Wednesday."
He described the game as evenly matched and pointed to the momentum shift after their goal was ruled out. Cadden acknowledged Rangers' quality but insisted Aberdeen went toe-to-toe with them.
How can Aberdeen improve for the Celtic match?
The immediate challenge is a trip to Celtic Park, a ground where Aberdeen have not won since 2018. Cadden emphasized the need for a strong reaction from the squad. He said there is no time for self-pity during a busy week of fixtures.
"It's a big week and it can still be a good week for us," he added. "We'll dust ourselves down and we'll go again."
Key to their hopes will be sharper finishing. Cadden defended the attacking players, noting that Bojan Miovski has started the season well and substitutes like Lewis Smith have made impacts. The full squad list shows the depth available in forward areas.
What is the broader context of Aberdeen's season?
This match comes during a demanding early part of the campaign. The loss to Rangers leaves Aberdeen looking to climb the standings from their current mid-table position. A positive result against the champions would provide a significant boost.
Cadden's comments reflect a determined mindset within the camp. He accepted that a full season will have ups and downs, but stressed the importance of bouncing back from setbacks. The team's schedule, visible on the fixtures page, shows a run of important matches ahead.
Manager Stephen Robinson was also unhappy with officiating after the Rangers match, but the focus has now shifted entirely to preparation. The club will be hoping for a more clinical performance in the final third to turn their fortunes around.
What are the key facts for the Celtic fixture?
The match against Celtic is scheduled for Wednesday night at Celtic Park. Aberdeen's last victory there was over eight years ago, making this a formidable challenge. The team will need to be at their best to end that run.
In terms of personnel, Cadden highlighted the quality in the squad. He specifically mentioned Miovski's strong start and the impact from the bench. The latest stats show the attacking contributions from across the team so far this season.
Aberdeen's next home game after this difficult away trip is against Hearts at Pittodrie on Saturday.
