Kris Sutton responds to Danny Röhl’s pre-match comments ahead of Aberdeen clash
Former striker and television pundit Kris Sutton has questioned Danny Röhl’s confident pre-match comments ahead of Sunday evening’s game against Aberdeen, suggesting the remarks have increased pressure on the visiting side before a demanding fixture.Röhl, speaking in his pre-match interview, struck a positive and assertive tone, outlining belief in his squad and stressing that his team would approach the match with ambition rather than caution. The comments were quickly picked up across broadcast and social media, drawing mixed reactions from supporters and pundits.
Sutton, responding to the interview on his media platform, warned that strong public messaging can backfire if results do not follow“Aberdeen away is a tough place to go, especially under the this January,” Sutton said. “Confidence is important, but when you say too much before a game like this, you put the spotlight firmly on yourself. If it doesn’t go well, those comments come straight back at you.”
The former England international added that pre-match statements are often used by opponents as motivation, regardless of the original intent.
“Teams look for any edge they can get,” Sutton said. “If they feel an opponent has talked themselves up, that can sharpen focus very quickly.”
The exchange has sparked a lively response among supporters of both clubs. On social media, opinions were divided on whether Röhl’s comments represented bold leadership or unnecessary risk.
Posting on X, one supporter wrote: “I’d rather see a manager show belief than hide behind clichés. We need confidence, not fear.”Another fan took a different view, saying: “This is exactly the kind of talk that comes back to haunt you at places like Pittodrie.”
An Aberdeen supporter, posting under the name @RedArmyVoice, added: “If there’s one thing that fires Pittodrie up, it’s feeling written off. Sunday evening just got interesting.”
Röhl’s comments were seen by many of his own supporters as part of a wider attempt to build momentum and instil belief. Several fans backed the manager’s approach, arguing that ambition should be encouraged rather than criticised.
One supporter posted: “This is a manager who believes in his players. If that’s a problem, then football has gone soft.”
Sutton’s response, however, reflects a long-running debate within the game about how managers communicate publicly. Some prefer guardedcommunicate publicly.
Some prefer guarded language to limit external pressure, while others believe strong messaging can drive standards and confidence. Sutton has consistently argued that results, not rhetoric, are what ultimately shape perceptions.
Sunday’s fixture now carries additional narrative weight. A positive performance would reinforce the idea that Röhl’s comments accurately reflect his team’s mindset. A difficult night, however, would inevitably lead to renewed scrutiny of what was said beforehand.
Aberdeen are expected to approach the match with intensity, aware of both the importance of the fixture and the attention surrounding the build-up. Sutton suggested the home side will look to establish dominance early.“The atmosphere will be key,” he said. “That’s where games like this are often decided.”
As kick-off approaches, focus will soon shift from words to action. When the match begins on Sunday night, the debate over confidence and caution will be settled not by interviews or reactions, but by what unfolds on the pitch.