NK Rijeka vs Aberdeen preview - McInnes targets away goal

Posted Thursday, July 16, 2015 by PA

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes stressed the importance of an away goal ahead of his side's latest Europa League test in Croatia.

The Dons progressed on away goals against Macedonians Shkendija in the first qualifying round and beat Groningen in Holland last season following a no-score draw at Pittodrie.

Aberdeen face a tough test against a Rijeka side which have reached the group stages in the past two seasons, knocking out Stuttgart on their way two years ago.

Last year Rijeka won all six qualifying legs before beating Standard Liege and Feyenoord at home in the group stages and drawing with Sevilla, who went on to retain the trophy.

But, with a wealth of creativity in his side, McInnes will not set out his team to defend on Thursday night.

"I think there is no question that Rijeka are a step up in quality from our last European opponents," he told the club's official website.

"They have a very good pedigree and they have shown that over the last few years. Having watched them at length now they have a powerful team with good individual talent and they are very organised as well.

"So you have to look harder than you would with most teams to try and pick out some weaknesses.

"That said, I expect us to be better again. I expect us to be a tough opposition. We have shown that in the past, none more so than this time last year when we beat Groningen. That gives us confidence going into this one.

"We have confidence in our own abilities. We have confidence that we have the squad here that can manage the game over the two legs.

"Against Groningen and in the last round we saw the benefit of the away goal. Against Shkendija we set out in a particular way and we made a couple of positive substitutions to try and get that goal in the later stages of the game and ultimately that goal got us through the tie. So we know the importance of scoring an away goal.

"We will try and be as positive as we can be and make the most of any opportunities. Whether it be from set plays or open play, if we do get opportunities it is important we try and take them."

McInnes, who is missing only Mark Reynolds from his squad following the defender's shoulder surgery, added:"The weather is going to be a factor. The humidity is maybe not as bad as Macedonia but the temperature is going to be higher at kick off time and it is something we need to consider and make the players aware of. Once the game starts though hopefully the competitive edge to our play is there regardless of the conditions."