As the Scottish Premiership season progresses, Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson is urging fans and critics alike to refrain from making hasty judgments about his revamped squad. Robinson expressed that it would be "crazy" to assess the team's capabilities so early in the campaign, especially after facing a challenging schedule that included matches against last season's top three teams: Celtic, Hearts, and Rangers.
The Dons kicked off their season on a high note with a victory over Hearts but have since struggled, suffering defeats against Dundee and both halves of the Old Firm. Ahead of their upcoming match against Kilmarnock, Robinson acknowledged the difficulties posed by the initial fixture list, stating, "There are very, very few games been played in the season so far, so to be that judgemental that early on is crazy." He emphasized that a more accurate evaluation of the team's progress would come after 15 games.
Robinson's comments reflect a broader understanding of the challenges of integrating a new group of players, particularly when faced with tough opponents right out of the gate. He admitted that the team was not fully prepared for the early tests, noting, "We weren’t quite up to that test if the truth be told, we weren’t quite up to it in terms of results, some of the bits were good." However, he remains optimistic about the team's potential for improvement as the season unfolds.
Despite the recent string of three consecutive losses, Robinson reported a positive atmosphere within the dressing room. He stated, "There is still a belief, there has to be a realism as well." The manager highlighted the disparity in resources between his squad and that of Celtic and Rangers, who have invested heavily in their teams. Robinson pointed out, "If you look at the millions and millions that has been spent on those two squads, we haven’t had the luxury to do that." This acknowledgment underscores the uphill battle Aberdeen faces as they aim to compete at a high level.
Looking ahead to the match against Kilmarnock, who have yet to secure a point this season, Robinson is aware of the pressure that comes with playing at home. He remarked, "There is pressure every time you play at home for Aberdeen to win games, you are expected to win so it is no different to any other game for me. It is important to win the game whatever way we do it." With the Dons eager to return to winning ways, all eyes will be on their performance as they seek to turn their season around.
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