Interim Aberdeen head coach Peter Leven has set out an uncompromising message ahead of his Dons side’s trip to Ibrox tonight, insisting his side must approach the clash with Rangers with a winning mentality despite the upheaval at Pittodrie.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference before the game, live on Sky Sports, Leven made it clear that expectations have been reset immediately following the departure of Jimmy Thelin and assistant Christer Persson.
“It’s Aberdeen – every game we’ve got to go and win,” Leven said.
“That’s the expectation I’ve set to the players.
“We’ve got to go and win every game, make a count of ourselves and put on a great performance.”
The former Rangers youth product, now taking charge for the third time on an interim basis, stressed the importance of intensity and commitment - particularly with Aberdeen supporters again travelling in large numbers.
“I want to see that fight I’ve seen before,” he added.
“Our fans have travelled all over Europe this season, in tough conditions the other day and again tomorrow.
“I need a better performance from them.”
Leven revealed that frank conversations have taken place in the dressing room following the weekend defeat at Falkirk, with senior figures stepping up to address standards.
“I had a chat with them, a few home truths,” he said.
“Graeme Shinnie spoke as well. But we’ve got to pick it up for tomorrow night - it’s a massive game.”
Despite the decision to part ways with Thelin, Leven was keen to dispel any suggestion that the Swede had lost the dressing room before his dismissal.
“I don’t think he lost the changing room,” Leven insisted.
“The boys were still fighting. They were hurting after the Falkirk game. A few players spoke, a few home truths again, but no - I don’t think he lost it.”
Attention also turned to the technical area at Ibrox, with questions raised over whether Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel would be present alongside Leven on the touchline. The interim boss was non-committal.
“I don’t know,” he said simply.
Leven’s return to the dugout has also reopened discussion around his longer-term ambitions.
While he previously played down the prospect of taking the Pittodrie job permanently, he now admits he feels better prepared than during earlier caretaker spells.
“I’ve got ambition to be a manager one day,” he said.
“Until that day arrives, we’ll wait and see.
“I’ve done it before in the interim, and I’ve learned a lot over the last year and a half.”
He also pointed to his previous stint in charge, when he guided Aberdeen on an extended unbeaten run prior to Thelin’s arrival, as proof that solutions can be found quickly.
“For now, it’s just about Tuesday,” Leven added.
“Then we’ll take it from there.
“I’ve got to find that solution again - to get us playing the way I want, with that fighting spirit, and get us winning games again.”