Stephen Robinson has insisted the pain of Aberdeen FC's poor run is deeply felt within the camp, responding directly to the boos that greeted last week's home draw with Kilmarnock. The manager opened up on his personal struggle with results, admitting he can go days without speaking after a disappointment, but stressed the need for collective resilience as the Dons seek a first league win since the opening day.
Reaction to Red Army groans
Aberdeen were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Kilmarnock at Pittodrie on September 5, a result that extended their goalless streak in the Premiership to four matches. The full-time whistle was met with audible frustration from sections of the Red Army, a reaction the 51-year-old boss says he understands completely. "Anyone who thinks it doesn't hurt or it doesn't affect me or my staff or players is really wrong," Robinson stated. "Ask my wife, I probably don't speak for 48 hours."
He described his process for processing a bad result, which involves long walks with his dogs in forests and around castles to clear his head. By Monday morning, however, he says his focus must shift to injecting positivity back into the group. "I always say tough times don't last. Tough people do," Robinson said. "I've had 500 games so I must be relatively okay at what I do."
The search for goals
Scoring has become the central issue. While the clean sheet against Killie was a first in the league this season, the lack of a cutting edge at the other end has left Aberdeen 10th in the Premiership with just four points from five games. They have scored only two league goals all term, conceding seven. Robinson called finding the net "the hardest bit in football" and acknowledged that's what clubs pay "the big money" for. He has options like Kevin Nisbet, who has proven he can score, and new signing Hicham Mahou, though the winger is still building fitness after not playing since leaving Lugano last season.
The manager emphasised the need for calm and belief, while also being prepared to make small tactical adjustments. "You can't get stuck too set in your ways," he noted, suggesting tweaks could be needed to start winning matches. The squad depth is being tested, with Bradley Lyons, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Kristers Tobers, and Kusini Yengi all currently sidelined. Youngster Tony Yogane, 20, is among those who could feature as Robinson looks for a spark.
Looking forward
Despite the league struggles, there is a Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden to anticipate, offering a potential route to silverware. The immediate priority, however, is halting the league slide. Aberdeen's recent form reads one win, one draw, and three losses from their last five outings. They now prepare for a home match against fifth-placed Motherwell on December 30. Robinson's message is clear: the hurt is real, but the work to fix it continues every day at Cormack Park.
