Stephen Robinson wary of 'aggressive' Dundee as Aberdeen boss issues Dimitar Mitov update
· Ruaraidh Britton · 2026-08-07 · nguồn gốc
Stephen Robinson wary of 'aggressive' Dundee as Aberdeen boss issues Dimitar Mitov update
The goalkeeper has been linked with several European clubs this week ahead of the trip to Dens Park, and the manager has given an update on where his future lies.
Stephen Robinson is expecting a tricky test in Aberdeen's first away fixture in the league this season, despite having a bumper crowd giving his side home comforts for the trip down the A90.
Thousands of Reds are heading to Dens Park this weekend full of belief after their opening weekend comeback against Hearts gave them the perfect start.
But the Dons boss is wary of the threats Steven Pressley's side pose after their 1-0 defeat to Celtic, warning that the well-organised Dundee will be an aggressive challenge.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's fixture, Robinson said: "Looking forward to it. We started well, we got the three points on the board that we wanted to give us a good start, and we're looking forward to the game.
"I thought Dundee were very good against Celtic. Really well organised, really well coached, which is no surprise with Steven there, a very good manager.
"It'll be a tough game, and we'll take a big crowd down there as well, which is fantastic, and again something to build on away from home, which our record wasn't good enough last year.
"I thought they were excellent. I thought they were really well organised, as Steven's teams are. That doesn't come as a surprise to me. Thought they were on the front foot, really aggressive.
"I was really impressed with them. Really impressed with his new signings. He gets fantastic loan signings with his connections down south. We know it's a tough, tough game.
"Dundee, credit to the board, invested a lot of money into the squad, which makes them competitive."
Around 4,000 Aberdeen fans are set to descend on Dens Park this weekend, with Robinson admitting it could feel more like a home fixture as he determined to make sure his work in progress rewards the Red Army's loyalty.
He added: "Momentum is everything in football. Winning football matches gives you belief.
"We've got a lot of new players. You have to remember that. A lot of new players. I think it's 12 we've signed, eight or nine started on Saturday.
"It's a work in progress. It’s not going to be the finished article after one league game. So, we know that. We're aware of lots of things that can be improved in the final third.
"I thought our first-half performance was good. I thought our second-half performance wasn't good enough and we managed, in the last 15 minutes with the changes, to get a result.
"I'm a realist. We understand that. We understand it's going to take a little bit of time. But if we can keep picking up results and continue that momentum, then it bodes well going forward."
Dimitar Mitov has become the latest player to be linked with a Pittodrie exit in the run up to Saturday's fixture, but Robinson insisted it has been a quiet week on the transfer front.
Twelve players have been signed so far during the summer window, but Robinson was adamant the Bulgarian keeper remains a part of his plans for the time being.
He added: "Nothing to update on. Some outs. Lutz [Pfannenstiel] deals with that and he does it very, very well. So, nothing at this moment in time that's concrete. Lots of interest. We know we need to get the squad down to a manageable level.
"Lutz is dealing with that and dealing with that very well at the moment. And ins, we're always wanting ins, but nothing imminent at the moment.
"Dimitar Mitov is a very good goalkeeper so no surprise that there's interest in him. We haven't had anything concrete yet. At this moment in time, he remains an Aberdeen player."
While the thrills of last weekend's late winner against Hearts will be a highlight of the season, Robinson insists his side have taken a lot of confidence from their Pittodrie heroics.
His side were 1-0 down with mere minutes left before overturning the result through Lewis Mayo and Kevin Nisbet, and he sees their opening weekend victory as a catalyst for a strong run of performances.
"I think there's an inner belief now in the squad that we are fit enough, we are strong," he added. "If we are organised and we have got quality in the squad that can do those things, and you don't lose belief. You don't give up.
"The performance for probably 30 minutes in the second half we weren't happy with. We know we can be better, but we didn't lie down. We didn't lose belief, and that's something my teams always do. They go until the end.
"Sometimes you don't choose to play poorly, but you choose what your attitude is. And certainly everybody in this building now that'll be involved will have an attitude to run and make sure until the 96th, 97th minute that we're still in the game. And if you can do that, more often than not you'll pick up points.
"The cup games, some of the play was excellent. The first half (Hearts game), we had some really good opportunities, and the final decision, final pass, probably was our downfall.
"Hearts are a good side. We have to remember that as well. You know, they had a period in the game. We defended it well. We defended it when we needed to. And it's just about understanding, a little bit of cohesion, which comes with time, and that's not something that's afforded to many managers. I'm well aware of that as well.
"But as the weeks go by and the understanding of what we want, and the players understand each other, then that will improve, no doubt."
Ante Palaversa misses out through injury, while Brad Lyons and Connor Ronan are undergoing tests on Friday to determine if they are fit for the Dens Park visit.
Mats Knoester is back in full training, but won't be involved against Dundee.