Aberdeen Manager Robinson Not Seeking Job Assurances Amidst Poor Form

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson has stated he has not sought assurances regarding his job security from chairman Dave Cormack, even as the team faces a dismal run of form. A recent 1-0 home loss to Falkirk left the Dons in ninth place in the Premiership standings, with only one win in their last five matches. Following this performance, a portion of the Pittodrie stadium's crowd booed Robinson and his players off the pitch.

Heading into a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers, suggestions have emerged that Robinson's tenure might be under threat. However, the manager acknowledged the fan criticism but insisted his conversations with Cormack and new chief executive Adrian Bevington have remained routine. "No, I’m not seeking any assurances," Robinson said. "I have just had my normal conversations. I speak to the chairman once a week and I speak to Adrian once a week. That’s no different than any other week."

Robinson admitted that the team's recent results have been unsatisfactory and that he and the players deserve the criticism. "No one is getting away from that fact and ultimately we deserve the criticism we got. I deserve the criticism, I don’t hide behind that. And I don’t try to throw players under the bus," he stated. He emphasized that the squad is united in their desire to improve.

"I know given time, this can be very successful. But I also live in the real world. You need to get results that give yourself longevity," Robinson added. "Certainly, everybody wants time, but you don’t get given time in football. We’re all well aware of that and results are what dictates that."

The manager views the upcoming semi-final at Hampden as an ideal opportunity for Aberdeen to reverse their fortunes. He believes the pressure will be on Rangers due to their expected victory. "You haven’t got time to feel sorry for yourself, if there is a moment to put it right a semi final at Hampden is that time," he said. "As a footballer you always get another chance, sometimes as a manager you don’t and what a chance it is to go to Hampden, a full house with a big support with us. It is certainly the right place to do it and we believe we can."

Robinson recalled his past experiences in semi-finals with Motherwell and St Mirren, where his teams were considered underdogs. "Every semi-final that I’ve been in with Motherwell and St Mirren, we were not expected to win. So I know how to motivate teams and the staff know how to get teams to believe," he commented. "It’s certainly an opportunity. All the pressure will be on Rangers, and the expectation will be on Rangers."

He also noted that former Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes, who had a successful eight-year spell with the club, had expressed support for Robinson, stating he would succeed if given time. "Until you are in this position, you don’t realise how difficult things are and the parameters you have to work under, Derek obviously does," Robinson said. "I have nothing but total respect for him. He is one of the top managers in the country."

Regarding team news, Robinson highlighted defensive concerns, with Lewis Mayo, Mats Knoester, and Dan Happe unavailable. Happe is suspended and also ill with a virus, while Kristers Tobers has a swollen knee and will not be available. Chris Cadden also has a mild hamstring injury and will miss the match, though he might be fit for a later game against Hibs. "We haven’t had to seek our troubles, but again, as I always say, somebody’s misfortune is somebody else’s opportunity. It’s a chance for people who maybe haven’t had opportunities, or people who haven’t been fit, to stand up and be counted. As I said, there’s no better stage than Hampden to do that."