Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes is refusing to take European progression for granted, despite what looks to be a favourable Europa League draw.
The Dons will take on RoPS Rovaniemi of Finland in the first round of their Europa League qualifiers. Should Aberdeen progress, they will face either Luxembourg side CS Fola Esch or FC Chikhura Sachkhere of Georgia in the second round.
Despite what looks to be a promising draw, McInnes is refusing to get carried away.
“The biggest trepidation”
“They did well in the Finnish league, finishing second, and they are up and running already, as most teams we could have faced are, and that’s always the biggest trepidation, facing a team when you are undercooked” he said, as reported by the Press and Journal.
“These games throw up challenges and the fact they are up and running ensures we will give them respect.”
Unlucky against English side
The Dons have yet to reach the Europa League group stages in McInnes’ time as manager. They were unlucky last season in that they were given a tough third round draw against Burnley.
They pushed the Premier League side hard though, only losing after extra time. The Dons look more than capable of matching last season’s feat of reaching the third round.
It remains to be seen if they can progress beyond that. However, Derek McInnes won’t even be contemplating that yet.