Stephen Robinson tells Rangers they’ll ‘have to be on top of their game’ against Aberdeen
Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson insists Rangers will provide a difficult test regardless of their recent results as the Dons target another three points at Pittodrie.
The Dons welcome Rangers in the Scottish Premiership looking to build further momentum, with Robinson determined to make home advantage count.
The Aberdeen boss says his team must approach the fixture positively and concentrate on producing their own best performance rather than worrying about Rangers' circumstances, with Derek McInnes’s side exiting Europe after a drab penalty shootout loss to Jablonec on Thursday in Czechia.
“It’s another game at home. Another opportunity for us to get three points,” Robinson said.
“We have to make it very much about ourselves, how we approach the game with positivity.
“And as I say, every home game you want to win. So that’s certainly our intention.
“Every time you play Rangers, it’s a difficult game. It doesn’t matter what stage of the season it is and where they are in terms of results.
“You play Rangers, you have to be on top of your game to win the game.”
Robinson plays down impact of week off
Aberdeen have had additional preparation time ahead of Sunday's fixture, but Robinson does not necessarily view that as an advantage.
The Dons played a practice match during the break to ensure his players remained sharp.
“We’ve been able to get some really good sessions in, a lot of work that was already beginning in pre-season. We’ve tried to continue that,” he revealed.
“We had a bounce game last week as well during the break, so we’ve kept everybody sharp and momentum’s everything.
“You want to keep playing at this stage. We feel we’re in decent form, so we want to keep playing games as often as we can.”
The Aberdeen manager also rejected the idea that Rangers could be disadvantaged by having played in Europe during the week, insisting his own side must simply concentrate on what they can control.
“I don’t think it’s a disadvantage to Rangers,” he said.
Aberdeen focused solely on Rangers
With another fixture coming into view next week, Robinson was adamant that his players cannot afford to look beyond Sunday.
“What’s in front of you is what you have to look at. None of us might make Tuesday or Wednesday next week. So, concentrate on what’s right in front of you,” he said.
“It’s an important game because the chance to get three points is an important game because it’s a home game. Full house, a brilliant atmosphere, and this is why you come to Aberdeen.
“You want these games. You want to go and show you’re a good side, which I believe we are.
“We’ll be solely focused on trying to win that game and we’ll only turn our attention to the other when the final whistle blows, and then we start concentrating on the following week.”
