Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen – E be like say Aberdeen no dey smile for their league season as dem dey sit for bottom of the Premiership, with just one point from six matches and no goal na so far. But make we no jump to conclusion, dem dey eyes on Shakhtar Donetsk as dem prepare for the Conference League opener on Thursday, October 2.
Captain Graeme Shinnie don admit say dem don ‘100 percent’ let their manager, Jimmy Thelin, down. Wetin happen? Some small moments for matches don just turn things upside down. As Shinnie talk am, ‘Na we go step out for pitch, no be dem. The manager don provide us with tools, we just need to perform. Our vibe dey depend on as we perform.’
Aberdeen never score for league this season (na wah oh!). But Shinnie don dey chant for his guys, say dem dey need to remain positive, even when vibes no dey okay. ‘Manager dey keep everybody level-headed, so we go dey fight together,’ he talk.
As dem set to face Shakhtar, we suppose remember say Shakhtar no dey play around; dem dey unbeaten for their last 15 matches in their league. Dem get plenty European experience, and their confidence dey high. Shinnie still gather hope say the home crowd go help dem turn Pittodrie into fortress.
But no be all smooth road for Aberdeen. Defender Kristers Tobers don suffer injury, and dem need replace am with on-loan Tottenham Hotspur, Alfie Dorrington. Shakhtar sef dey face wahala with their players; striker Lassina Traore dey out because of hamstring, and Alisson dey chill with broken leg. Na so e be! Football no get pity.
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin don talk say e no go chop down on belief, and him dey focus on improvement. Him dey also praise the boys for putting in work, no be only when dem dey win.
We fit see this match as planting ground for future success. Although dis be first meeting for these teams, the history no dey one-sided as Shakhtar sabi play against teams from Scotland as dem don face Celtic before. And if Shinnie and e crew fit channel their inner underdog vibes, who know? They fit shock the world.
Shakhtar no dey take dis match lightly, dey prepared to give Aberdeen serious competition. With their eyes on the prize, all we fit do na watch as dis match unfold. Who go carry the day? Na only time go tell.
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