Robinson backs Aberdeen to use Hampden semi-final as turning point against Rangers

Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson has framed Saturday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden as the ideal opportunity to ease the tension of a disappointing start to the season. The Dons arrive at the national stadium having won just one of their past five games.

Robinson pointed to his own experience of motivating underdog sides in semi-finals with Motherwell and St Mirren, including last year's trophy win with St Mirren, and said he and his staff know how to instil belief. He argued the pressure and expectation will sit with Rangers, adding that a full house with a large Aberdeen support makes it the right setting to put things right.

The build-up has been dominated by Wednesday's 1-0 home defeat to Falkirk, which ended with angry boos and left Aberdeen ninth in the Premiership, three points above the bottom. Robinson accepted the criticism was deserved, including of himself, but stressed there are no factions in a squad determined to turn results around, and said he does not hide by blaming players.

Asked whether he had sought assurances about his position from the Pittodrie hierarchy, Robinson said he holds normal conversations with chief executive Adrian Bevingston and chairman Dave Cormack. He also responded to backing from Rangers boss Derek McInnes, a former Aberdeen manager, saying he has total respect for him as one of the country's top managers and acknowledged that results ultimately dictate whether managers get time.

Captain Kevin Nisbet said the fans' reaction after the Falkirk loss was justified and that responsibility rests with the players. He said Robinson has taken considerable flak on the team's behalf and that the squad owes a performance to the manager, the supporters and the club.

Source: BBC Sport

Image: SNS / BBC Sport