Aberdeen manager Craig Brown has admitted that his players will need to battle to steer clear of relegation this season.
The Dons, who have never been relegated from the top flight, are currently second from bottom in the Scottish premier league table, ahead of Inverness on goal difference but also holding a game in hand.
After losing at home to Motherwell on Saturday, Brown has said that his players are now under pressure to perform and lift themselves clear of danger.
“Our position in the league is not good enough for a club like Aberdeen,” he admitted.
“There is huge pressure on us to take all the points from most of the games up to the end of the year.”
Aberdeen face trips to Dunfermline and Kilmarnock in their next two games and though facing two of the three sides directly above them, Brown said every team bar Rangers, Celtic and Motherwell has to look over their shoulder.
“We’re in a dogfight to steer clear of bottom spot already and let’s not kid ourselves otherwise,” he said.
“None of the clubs from fourth down can afford to be complacent because we’re all under threat.
“It’s those who show the stomach to fight for their future in this league who will get to a position of safety.”