The manager has welcomed a full week of preparation with his squad as they look to build on last weekend’s victory over Kilmarnock.
However, McInnes insists his players must improve on their second-half display in that match as they prepare to face a Dundee side in good form.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: “We have to maximise the effort and maximise the mindset all the time for the next challenge, and that is around the corner with Dundee. That game needs our full attention.
“Having the players in this week has allowed us to go into the game in better shape. It doesn’t guarantee us anything, but when the game starts, hopefully we can produce a big performance.
“We can’t perform like we did last week; the drop-off was too big, but there were reasons for that. There will be no reason for that this week, and we have to deliver a big performance.”
McInnes revealed several players had turned down the opportunity to take Monday off following their international commitments, choosing instead to return for work and recovery.
He continued: “They had the option to come in, and it wasn’t a test; it was genuinely to take time off, but they came in, which is good.
“We have had a few good days together, and we have done our prep.”
The manager confirmed Ross McCrorie will be sidelined for approximately three weeks with a hamstring issue, while Dujon Sterling has returned to training after coming off through illness against Kilmarnock.
On McCrorie, he explained: “He felt it last week, and we have had it scanned, and he will be out for the next three weeks. It is nothing major but enough to stop him training. Other than that, we are good to go.”
McInnes expects a demanding evening against Dundee, having been impressed by their recent performances.
“I know a lot of staff there, and I know how they work. They look like they have a good thing going,” he added. “They can mix their game up; they have good physicality and decent strength and experience in the right areas.
“Whenever you are asked to play, you have to try and win the game. We would rather be in Europe, and there’s a bit of envy watching last night, but in the same token, the only real benefit and feel good about yourself is if we can be successful domestically.
“We have longer to prepare, but it doesn’t guarantee us anything. I am more focused on the fight to improve and win the game. That serves us well and has done so in recent weeks, and that approach is to take small steps, win games and not be obsessed with elsewhere.”
