Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes admits he is not surprised by the level of criticism being directed at Celtic counterpart Ronny Deila – insisting ‘it’s the nature of the job’.
Recent back-to-back defeats to Ross County and the Dons have piled the pressure on Deila, with former Hoops players Chris Sutton, John Hartson and Andy Walker among those to rail against the Norwegian.
A 2-1 victory for McInnes’ side last Wednesday – just three days after Celtic lost the League Cup semi-final to County – is partly why Deila finds himself under so much scrutiny.
But McInnes, whose Aberdeen team are now level on points with the Parkhead club at the Premiership summit, reckons no manager is immune to flak during a barren run.
He said: “I don’t think you’re ever totally surprised by anything, it’s the nature of the job.
“It’s very usual for them to lose two games on the spin. For any manager there are different levels of expectation and different levels of pressure.
“Being a Celtic manager, I think you have to expect that sometimes. I still think there are a lot of good players at Celtic Park and they’ve shown up until recently that they’re on a decent form.
“It’s like anything, if results don’t come, everyone expects it that bit more.”
Aberdeen have won eight out of their last ten undefeated league matches and will bid to keep up that impressive pace in Monday’s televised clash at Inverness.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, McInnes, whose side beat St Johnstone at the weekend, added: “I’m delighted with what the boys have given us, we’re on a good run and undefeated in a few months.
“The nature of the wins have been great, different types of wins but within them all is a real determination to win.
“We’ve got confidence and a wee bit of momentum.
“We have been a team over the last two-anda-a-half years that have gone on strong runs during the season.
“It’s important that we keep that confidence and momentum within the team.
“It’s great to see the players working as hard they are, it’s been pleasing and hopefully we can continue.
“It’s important for us to look at each and every game and try and take care of each opponent because, as confident as I am in the team, we can’t get too far ahead of ourselves.
“On any given day, if we don’t meet the standards we set we are vulnerable like any team.”
