Ross County looking to go on the front foot to bounce back from Dundee United defeat against Aberdeen in Dingwall, says manager Don Cowie
Ross County will need to go on the front foot to get the better of Aberdeen in Dingwall this weekend, according to manager Don Cowie.
The Staggies will host the Dons off the back of a home defeat against Dundee United last Sunday where Cowie was left less than impressed with his side’s reaction to going a goal behind.
He felt it was a missed opportunity to get the better of a Dundee United team who had been in poor form, particularly given there was a distinct lack of clear cut chances throughout the 90 minutes – with only a set-piece separating the clubs at full time.
Cowie, then, is keen to ensure there is no repeat of that lacklustre creativity when Aberdeen come calling this Saturday, especially as the Dons appear to have returned to form, typified by a 4-1 win over Motherwell last time out.
“We recognise what we could have done better, but then the focus shifts and we don’t want anyone dwelling on it or feeling sorry for losing one game of football,” Cowie stressed.
“We have to switch and get that positivity back in our mindset to be ready for Aberdeen, and that’s what we try and do every week – even if we win.
“Against Dundee United we were a bit hesitant, but when we’re at our best we play on the front foot and put teams under pressure.
“We spoke on Monday morning about things we should have done for that to materialise. There was a real competitiveness for the first 25 minutes where we were cajoling to get control of the game, but how do you then put your stamp on it to change the momentum?
“At half time, I thought it was evenly poised, and the challenge was to go and be the team who makes the difference. We didn’t do enough.
“This week it’s a different challenge in Aberdeen, but we want to look to be the team who is creating momentum and playing on the front foot.
“There will always be periods in the game where you have to take a step back and deal with their threats, but that’s what we want to do more of.”
While Cowie undoubtedly sets the tone around the club as manager, once matches begin he is somewhat limited with the influence he can have.
At that point, the onus goes on to the players themselves to ensure that standards are kept high, with the senior members of the squad taking a leading role in that.
“They are the ones that can follow up the messages that we’re giving as a staff,” Cowie added.
“That’s why you have those senior players, because you recognise the experiences that they have had and it’s up to them to relay those messages.
“We only have a short period of time with the group, but they are with the group all the time doing gym sessions and being around each other, so you want them to portray the messages you’re putting across.
“I believe we’ve got really good leaders who do that at our football club.”