Aberdeen Fan View: A look into what fans thought after Rangers defeat
A look into how some Aberdeen fans reacted on social media following their 4-1 defeat in Glasgow yesterday evening. It was a disappointing evening in Govan as Rangers tore into struggling Aberdeen with Stephen Robinson’s men conceding four on the road. That has left many Dons’ fans furious as a relegation battle is in sight. Some Aberdeen fans believe it is the players that have been at fault this season with Aberdeen fan @AidenMoir4 on X (Twitter) saying: “Can’t believe Robinson gets slated for this, not a single manager would have done any better no matter how we play our football it wouldn’t work”. Some fans have turned on Robinson saying it was a ‘panic option’ but it seems like many fans say it’s the squad rather than managers. Back to the previous point of some fans blaming Robinson, @Dsmithy211 says: “I’ve seen enough, Robinson out”. – Stephen Robinson is getting the stick by some fans despite only being at Pittodrie for just under two weeks. In terms of the relegation battle, @RichardBro68526 suggests: “I hate to say this, we’re in big trouble the teams below us are picking points while we are struggling, worrying times.” – This comes as both Kilmarnock and St Mirren picked up all three points this weekend closing the gap to three points between the trio of clubs as relegation fears build up at Aberdeen. Some fans also believe relegation may be the best for the club as @Weescooty on X says: “Relegation will be best thing for us, board think we are too good to go down”. It’s some worrying times up North as many fans are believing Robinson wasn’t the right man, some feeling it’s the players who should be blamed as well as the majority of the fanbase feeling Aberdeen are well and truly in the relegation battle. Some interesting weeks ahead as Aberdeen travel to Paisley with Robinson facing his former side before taking on Hibernian ahead of the split. Could this be the year which see’s Aberdeen relegated for the first time in their history or will Aberdeen survive the drop and continue their Premiership status?
Stephen Robinson confirms Aberdeen are fighting a “relegation battle” after Rangers defeat
Stephen Robinson feels his side are officially in the relegation battle after a 4-1 defeat at Ibrox. While speaking to Premier Sports, Robinson made it clear he wasn’t pleased with the manner in conceding the goals as the Gers’ put four past the struggling Dons. The Dons boss said: “If you concede goals like that you won’t win football matches and that’s the reason we are where we are. It’s too easy to concede goals. We make changes, you know to give yourself a chance after half-time, for thirty minutes we were solid, we frustrated them, and then you come out in the second half, where you go further forward, you bring subs on and you concede a really, really poor goal. All three goals, the only goal that was a really good goal was Tavernier’s, obviously, with the free-kick. Way, way too easy. It’s been the story of the season. It’s not acceptable for Aberdeen Football Club, for us to let goals in that easy as a collective. Some people can run forward quicker than they can run back and that has to change. I’ve told a few home truths tonight and it has to be. It should have been done six months ago because there’s certainly talent there, but we have to have the same desire to run back and defend and put our bodies on the line as we do running forward. It’s frustrating, the reality is we’re in a dogfight and that’s been told tonight and people have to react to that.” Robinson is against using any excuses in his sides recent performances as the players really need to start performing before Aberdeen are dragged further down. He added: “The excuses are gone. People need to step up now. Aberdeen Football Club doesn’t owe anybody, they owe Aberdeen Football Club and all of us do to make sure we fight and scrap to get ourselves out of this position before we reset anything for next year.” Aberdeen are now fully in a relegation battle as Aberdeen currently sit ninth, just three points ahead of both St Mirren and Kilmarnock who both picked up wins on the weekend to continue the pressure on Aberdeen. Up next is an International break for time to re-group ahead of a tricky two games before the split as Stephen Robinson travels to face his former club in St Mirren before Hibernian travel up North.
UCL Roundup: Arsenal, Liverpool Advance; City, Spurs Among Big Exits
Arsenal and Liverpool both progress into the next round of the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham’s European Campaign’s all coming to an end. Here is a round-up from the Round of 16 fixtures involving the six Premier League sides: Chelsea 0-3 PSG (PSG win 8-2 on aggregate) Following a tough night in the French capital last week, it didn’t get any better in London. Chelsea did have a few good chances but were no where near clinical enough – exact opposite of PSG as they were excellent in front of goal seeing off Chelsea with three goals. Chelsea started on the wrong foot as Kvaratskhelia fired PSG ahead followed by a Barcola strike eight minutes later. Mayulu sealed the win if it wasn’t already done to keep the holders in the competition as the Premier League side exit. Manchester City 1-2 Real Madrid (Real Madrid win 5-1 on aggregate) The first leg was far from expected as Valverde’s first half hat trick gave the Madrid side a valuable lead going into the leg in Manchester. Pep’s side got off to the worst start possible which saw Bernardo Silva shown red which gave the visitors a penalty after 22 minutes where Vinicius Junior dispatched to put Real Madrid further ahead. City pulled one back before the break through Haaland but was still going to be an uphill battle. City continued to huff and puff but couldn’t find another as in the dying minutes, Vinicius Junior grabbed his second to dump Man City out of the competition. Arsenal 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen (Arsenal win 3-1 on aggregate) Arsenal got the job done on home soil after a 1-1 draw in Germany last week. The Gunners were dominant for majority of the game which paid off after 36 minutes as Eze with an outstanding strike from distance right into the back of the net gave Arteta’s side a deserved lead going into the break. Arsenal were in need of a second to see off any worries where Declan Rice made no mistake and doubled the advantage on the night to see Arsenal through following a deserved victory in North London. Liverpool 4-0 Galatasaray (Liverpool win 4-1 on aggregate) It was a disappointing night in Turkey in the first leg as Liverpool fell short as the Turkish side ran away 1-0 winners but the second leg was total opposite. Liverpool started brightly where Dominic Szoboszlai had Arne Slott’s men level on aggregate after 25 minutes. Ekitike put the hosts in front six minutes into the second period and just two minutes on they had a third as Gravenberch handed Liverpool the advantage going into the latter stages. Salah had then got in on the act with a strike just after the hour mark sure no upset was on the cards and Liverpool continue. Barcelona 7-2 Newcastle (Barcelona win 8-3 on aggregate) Following a 1-1 draw in Newcastle last week, the game began as a very exciting contest. Raphinha put Barca ahead very early on but Elanga had the Premier League side back on level terms nine minutes on. Just a few minutes later, Barcelona were ahead once again, this time through Bernal who smashed the ball home in a exciting start. 10 minutes on, Elanga netted the fourth goal of the half to draw Newcastle level once again but Barca were given a late first-half penalty following a push from Trippier where wonderkid Yamal netted into the bottom right-hand corner. It continued to go down hill as the La Liga side went onto score another 4 with Lopez on target, Raphinha scoring his second as well as Robert Lewandowski grabbing a brace to end the Newcastle dreams in style. Tottenham 3-2 Atletico Madrid (Atletico Madrid win 7-5 on aggregate) The first leg was a complete horror show as three costly errors saw Atletico go ahead by three goals within 15 minutes which saw Kinsky get subbed off after just 17 minutes which saw Tottenham go on to lose 5-2 in the Spanish capital. However, it was a much improved performance in North London but just wasn’t enough to go through. Kolo Muani had Spurs’ ahead after half-an-hour where Spurs were ahead at half-time. Atletico responded right away as former Manchester City man Jullian Alvarez equalised for the visitors. Xavi Simons regained the lead for Tottenham but Hancko cancelled out the goal on 75 minutes as Atletico refused to let Tottenham have any chance of getting back into the match. Tottenham won it late on through a Simons penalty but just wasn’t enough to win the game over both legs as Igor Tudor’s men crash out. UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Draw: PSG v Liverpool Real Madrid v Bayern Munich Barcelona v Atletico Madrid Sporting CP v Arsenal
Enzo Fernandez hints at Chelsea exit following PSG defeat
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez last night hinted at a move away from London following Champions League exit against PSG. The London side were knocked out of the Champions League last night against the holders, PSG following an 8-2 defeat across the two legs with the midfielder suggesting a move away could be on the cards. After being asked about where Enzo will be come next season he said: When quizzed on where he would be playing next season, Fernandez said: “I don’t know. There are eight games left and the FA Cup. “There’s the World Cup and then we’ll see.” Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior stated: “I haven’t seen that” “It’s hard for me to speak on speculation after a game. I need to focus right now on the most important things, which is making sure we have the right result against Everton.” Enzo arrived to Stamford Bridge in 2023 joining from Portuguese side, Benfica for over £100million which is the second highest British transfer record just behind Isak with his move to Liverpool in the summer. The blues’ will be expecting a large sum of money should Fernandez depart so they aren’t losing out on money with only a few clubs across the world being able to afford what the Premier League would like. Enzo has played 160 times for Chelsea with 28 goals and 29 assists for the Stamford Bridge outfit where he has won 2 trophies during his time which was the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. Where he may go isn’t decided but a move to the Saudi League could be a potential switch or possibly a team like Bayern Munich or PSG may decide to come in for the Chelsea man.
Dundee 2-2 Dundee United: Dundee grab a point with two stoppage time goals in the derby
Goals by Stephenson and Fatah had United looking at victory but Hay and a Graham own goal sealed a point for Pressley’s men in the derby. An early chance for United, Fatah doing well to get past his man where he whipped a ball into the box which found Iovu who headed over the bar. After 12 minutes, Dundee had a huge chance as Congreve out wide delivering a great ball but Simon Murray unable to connect and fire a strike goal bound. Dundee had another chance after 26 minutes as Congreve fired a cross along the box which nearly went in but Maynard-Brewer catching. Moments later, Fatah had a chance from close range at a tight angle but well stopped by McCracken. Yogane had a brilliant chance on 37 minutes with a darting run goal bound, cut onto his right and unleashed a powerful strike but blocked by Sevelj to deny an opener. Fatah with a run from the Dundee half towards goal with a massive chance, the ball got caught up at his feet which looked like the chance was off but he regained the ball, worked it into the box with his effort being stopped by the foot of the Dundee number one. Another chance by Fatah just inside the box but fired wide of goal as the travelling support thought they had fired ahead in the derby. A flurry of chances, one initial save which then at the end landed at Sevelj who smashed it towards goal but a fantastic block by Samuels to keep the match goalless. Dundee United fired in front 5 minutes into the second 45 as Fatah struck the ball beyond McKracken following a handball in the process. Dundee United started the second period better with a lot more play and getting into good spaces. Dundee needing to up their game if they are to get back into it. The Tannadice side doubled the lead as Stephenson up high heading the ball of the bar which bounced into the net to send the away end into chaos. On 74 minutes, Will Ferry fizzled a great ball across the box but was too far ahead as no one could get onto it. Russell had a huge chance to make it three but a quality stop by McCracken denied Russell his first goal for United in his second stint. Dundee had the ball in the net as Hay struck the ball calmly which ended up going in off Sevelj but was flagged for offside. A very later corner for the Dees, whipped into the box which ended in a bit of a scramble but Hay managed to get onto it as his tapped it into an empty net as Dundee found one back deep into stoppage time. Dundee did the unthinkable and levelled right at the death with a ball into the box where United defender Ross Graham put the ball into his own net as both sides settle for a point in a dramatic ending at Dens. Dundee: McCracken (8), Astley (7), Wright (6), Samuels (7), Murray (6), Yogane (7), Dhanda (5), Graham (6), Cotterill (6), Hamilton (6), Congreve (6). Substitutes: Hay (8), Westley (7), Wright (6), Reilly (6), Robertson (6). Dundee United: Maynard-Brewer (7), Iovu (7), Sevelj (6), Graham (5), Ferry (7), Agyei (6), Fatah (9), Farrugia (7), Stephenson (8), Keresztes (6), Watters (7). Substitutes: Camara (7), Sapsford (6), Russell (6), Strain (6).
“Refocused” Kilmarnock will be a tough assignment for Hearts – McCann
Neil McCann promises that leaders Hearts will be given a “tough game” by his wounded Kilmarnock side, who suffered a damning defeat to high-flying Falkirk in their last league encounter. The Ayrshire team have had 2 weeks to stew on the 5-1 defeat, but believes the break allowed his side to “refocus”. “We’ve had a wee bit of extra time to stew on that defeat from Falkirk, which looked totally out of character in terms of performances that we’ve produced since I’ve been here. “I think everything that could go wrong did go wrong, and we were punished by a really good side. “What it has done is give us a wee bit of time to actually look at where we’ve gone wrong in that game, in particular. “With a mix of just giving the boys a wee bit of time away as well because we have been training them hard, so it’s been beneficial, I hope to everybody.” McCann expects a reaction from his team, who “look forward” to welcoming Derek McInnes’ side. “I’ve never seen anything other than a brilliant attitude in training since I’ve been in here. I’ve been talking about the attitude of the boys and what we’ve been asking them to do, of course. “They are gonna be a wee bit low when they return from that defeat and so we should be it was a sore one for everybody to take. “We were really disappointed in ourselves, the show we put on, in most of the other games, I think you can say we’ve been right in, and looking like a threat. “But it has given up a wee bit of a jolt at a good point of the season, actually, with the four games coming up before the split “It’s maybe refocused our minds, we look forward to welcoming hearts here at Rugby Park.” McCann believes his side will be tough outfit for the Gorgie side to crack. “Hearts are going great, and its gonna be a really tough game, they are coming here with their own pressures, to stay at the top of the table, and I think they’ll be thinking this is a hard game. “I honestly do believe that they’ll be expecting a tough game from us down here and I think we’ve been really good at home of late, so we’ve got to continue that for, and belief. Hopefully, we get a big crowd behind us” The manager added that there were no injury scares, his side were “pretty strong” and had a “full group training today [Friday]”.
Stephen Robinson swaps Paisley for the Granite City
Aberdeen have this morning announced Stephen Robinson as their new first-team manager on a three-year deal. Aberdeen’s two-month wait for a manager since Jimmy Thelin departed has came to an end as Stephen Robinson has agreed to become the new boss in the Granite City. Robinson started managing in the youth systems of the Northern Irish National Team, managing the U17s, U19s and U21s before joining Oldham Athletic in 2016 where the Ex-St Mirren man was let go following a poor run. Stephen then agreed to join the Steelmen making his move to Motherwell in 2017 guiding the Fir Park side to a third place finish as well as qualification into the Europa League Qualifiers. He also let the Steelmen to two cup finals – losing both to Celtic. He then moved onto Morecambe before joining the Buddies where he gained three back-to-back top six finishes as well as bringing European Football back to St Mirren. He also brought home silverware at the beginning of the current campaign, defeating Celtic 3-1 in the Scottish League Cup final. Robinson has been at the heart of giving youngsters the chance and developing well which saw them gain big moves down south as we saw with Evan Mooney making the switch to Arsenal. New Dons boss, Stephen Robinson said: “When this opportunity arose, there was no way I could turn it down. “Aberdeen has a tremendous history and there’s no mistaking it is a huge Club. The facilities and resources that will be at my disposal are excellent and more importantly, the fan base is tremendous so I’m excited to work for a Club of this size and strive to take it forward. “I appreciate it has been a tough period for everyone, but players respond to positivity so we’ve got to stick together going forward. “We will put a team out on the pitch to get the points we need to finish this season as strongly as we can. “Aberdeen have clear ambition but it needs an identity, it needs direction and I aim to give the club that so we need everyone to get behind myself, the staff and the players.” AFC Sporting Director, Lutz Pfannenstiel, said: “Results have clearly not been what we had hoped for or expected in recent weeks. “The Board and I recognised we needed a new Head Coach in position sooner rather than later and Stephen, who was part of this process from the outset, was the clear candidate to take on the role now. “He is a highly experienced coach with a strong track record of delivering results in this league and we believe he will bring stability in the short term whilst also providing the vision to build success for this club in the future.” Aberdeen have a tricky run of fixtures with meetings against Falkirk, Rangers and Hibernian coming up as well as a trip to his former side, St Mirren in Paisley.
“We’re in trouble, we’re in serious trouble” – Peter Leven on the cup exit at Dunfermline
Peter Leven believes Aberdeen are in big trouble following their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Dunfermline at East End Park. Dunfermline defeat the cup holders with goals from Matty Todd and Olly Thomas brace put the Pars’ into their first semi-final since 2009. Peter Leven wasn’t afraid to criticize his side’s display as Aberdeen put up a horror display in Dunfermline. Aberdeen started the first 5-10 minutes well but going down hill as soon as the hosts went ahead with Peter Leven saying: “We started okay, we had a chance with Stuart Armstrong, but after that, I can’t defend the players any more, that was unacceptable. I can only apologise to the fans for what they’ve seen. “We had so many experienced players on there, but we never won the battle. First balls, second balls, a lack of fight, a lack of confidence, it’s really poor. We’re the holders, and we’ve limped out the Scottish Cup, that’s unacceptable for me. I can take losing, but after going 1-0 down, the fight was gone, and that was so disappointing.” Aberdeen have been miles off it with just three wins since the start of 2026. The Dons currently sit 9th in the Scottish Premiership following Dundee’s win over Motherwell on Saturday. If things weren’t to get any worse, Peter Leven’s men have a very tough run of fixtures in the lead up to the split with visits from Falkirk and Hibernian as well as away days to St Mirren and Rangers in store. With the way things are going, Peter Leven said: “We’re in trouble, we’re in serious trouble, because we’re not picking up wins, we’re not picking up points, and we’re out of the Scottish Cup. There’s a real possibility we can get dragged into the relegation fight, I said that to the players after the game. “We cannot go on like this, but I can’t protect them any longer. They’ve got to stand up and be counted. They have to show the character because we can’t do anything else, there’s no transfer window, so they’re going to have to pick it up.”
Askou “not fussed” about title talks as Dens Park awaits
Jens Berthel Askou aims to give Motherwell fans “something to be proud” as they look to move within one point of Rangers in third place. Speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon, the manager is excited to watch his team’s progression across the remaining months of the Scottish Premiership season. “I think a very cool for us as a group and a football club that we know that we are going to compete in the top 6 after the split. The main thing for us is that it’s going to push us to our limits as a football club, and keep developing us to the maximum of our potential this season.” “We have to keep developing as human beings, as professionals, as a team, as a football club, because there’s always more until the day when we finish our careers as players or as coaches, so that is what we are looking for.” “It’s about adding details all the way, and then when we add these details, it’s about sharpening the details and being good enough at picking between these details while we keep the structure and the basis and the foundation of our game. The most important thing for us is that we want to excite people around the area, so they have something to be proud of. “ The Motherwell ranks are filled with talent, from top goalscorer Tawanda Maswanhise to midfield marshal Elliot Watt. Askou has been impressed by his squad’s growth. “We know if we want to reach out to the maximum potential for this club, we have to be good both ways, and it’s really difficult to strike that balance, especially early in the phase of development. “I am very impressed with how the players have been able to just grow and develop in both directions at the same time.” Askou appreciates that Saturday’s opponent will be no pushover for his side. “Dundee is a team that has grown and developed through the season, it’s going to be a big test, and a challenge for us to see if we can keep our form and sharpness against a team that, especially at home, has looked really good.” Dundee v Motherwell Dens Park March 7th 3pm
Terrific Chermiti: Old firm hero linked with Portugal call-up
Former Everton and now Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has highlighted that Youssef Chermiti is in sight for a potential World Cup call-up. The Portuguese striker scored an astonishing overhead kick as well as another neat finish in last weekend’s Old Firm derby. Just two weeks before, he scored a hat-trick in a 4-2 win over league leaders Hearts. The striker had a slow start to life at Ibrox, as well as coming with a big fee, but he now has nine league goals, with eight of them coming against Hearts and Celtic. And this form has caught the eye of experienced Portugal boss Roberto Martinez. He said: “It’s important to keep the door open to new talent in the national team. “In that respect, we are looking at Francisco Conceicao, Rodrigo Mora and Fabio Silva. Youssef Chermiti at Rangers is another player who is doing well. “Each player’s current form is important, but their contribution across a whole season should not be forgotten.” Chermiti has already played many games for Portugal at a youth level, with four goal involvements in five at U21 European level, he will be looking to move onto bigger and better things and potentially assist his country come June. With Portugal’s arranged friendlies later this month with Mexico and USA, and with the matches being played in two of the chosen World Cup countries, Chermiti will be looking to get a brief taster before the big finale in the summer. Portugal’s squad in general is fantastic, with top players from across the best leagues in the world. It is a great advertisement for Scottish football to see players from the league getting recognition from world class countries. However, there is still a lot of football to be played domestically, and with many important fixtures approaching, the 21-year-old will need to be fully focused on continuing his good form in big matches and helping Rohl’s Rangers push for the title. If he does continue his fine form, will Chermiti be on that plane with Ronaldo come the summer?