Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson believes reaching the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals would restore the feel-good factor at the club. The Dons travel to Kilmarnock on Saturday for the quarter-final tie, days after being booed off following a home league draw with the same opponents.
Hampden Opportunity
Robinson views the match as a chance to change the current outlook. He said: “It is a chance to get to Hampden whatever we you dress it up or what stage of the season, it is a fantastic opportunity. I have been lucky enough to be there twice in the last few months and I want to try and make it a third time.”
The manager added: “We are looking forward to it. It brings a positivity and the chance to get to Hampden. We will take a lot of fans down, who will back the players and we are looking forward to it. believe if we step up our game we have a real chance of winning and progressing.”
On Kilmarnock, Robinson said: “I thought they are a good side. I said before the game that they have players who can hurt you and Greg Kiltie playing in pockets hurts people. It is important we prepare for that. We have all seen each other and tested each other. It is now about how we can implement plans to win the game.”
Dealing with Criticism
Robinson admitted he could not argue with the fans’ criticism after last week’s draw. He said: “You get criticism when you don’t win football matches. Home games you are expected to win. ‘I am big enough and strong enough to take that and to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
He added: “Determination is the word I would use this week. The boys are extremely determined to progress in the cup and change the outlook. It is something to look forward to and there is a positivity and a determination amongst the camp.”
Robinson also noted the mental fatigue of facing Rangers and Celtic with less rest, but said: “That has gone and I am very much looking forward to the three games in a week and it is an opportunity to win more games and progress in cup.”
On handling the noise, he stated: “Not really, I don’t hear it. I am very experienced in what I do. I have a lot of belief in the squad and staff I have here. I have to shut the noise out. I know it is out there and you have to deal with it. I am not young and I am not on social media and I don’t read anything.”
He added: “There is a determination to move forward. There was always going to be big changes at the football club. It is my job to give it stability and to keep calm when you win or lose, you need to keep a perspective on everything. I have a beautiful wife, an absolutely gorgeous wife and two great sons and four dogs. I am not lonely. I have the support where I need it and I have a lot of support from Aberdeen fans as well.”
New Signing and Team News
The Dons signed French winger Hicham Mahou as a free agent. Robinson said: “He brings a lot of pace. I believe we needed another wide player, whether we play a back three or four it is important we have players who go past people. Hicham certainly does that. He will take a little while to get up to speed, with his lack of game time over the last few months, but he is definitely someone that adds something to the squad. He is available, fitness-levels because he hasn’t played for a long time - we just need to assess that today.”
Robinson does not expect more free agent additions, saying: “I think the longer it goes the harder it is and the longer players haven’t played. I would say this issue is done for just now.” Aberdeen have issues over Kevin Nisbet and Stuart Armstrong.
