'I know how to motivate teams' - Robinson urges Aberdeen to seize Hampden chance

What the report says

Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson says Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden Park offers an ideal opportunity to reset after a poor start to the season. BBC Sport reports that Aberdeen have won only once in their past five matches and were booed off after a 1-0 home defeat by Falkirk on Wednesday, leaving them ninth in the Scottish Premiership, three points above bottom place.

Robinson, who guided St Mirren to the trophy last season, said the team must turn the page quickly and use the occasion to relieve some of the pressure around the club. He argued that semi-finals create a chance to respond immediately and said he believes the squad can rise to the challenge in front of a large crowd at Hampden. He also said he has experience of motivating underdog teams in cup ties and that, in his view, the pressure will be on Rangers.

The manager said discussions with the squad after the Falkirk defeat were honest and that players accepted responsibility for the result. He rejected the idea of factions in the dressing room and said everyone is working to improve. Captain Kevin Nisbet also backed the manager, saying the criticism after midweek was justified and that the players owe a response to supporters, the club and Robinson. The story is significant because Aberdeen’s cup run could provide a much-needed boost to morale and stability amid early-season scrutiny.