Aberdeen

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Stephen Robinson is calling for "perspective" as Aberdeen get the chance to avenge a disappointing defeat to Dundee last weekend, saying "bumps in the road" are to be expected with his new-look squad.

The Dons lost 2-0 at Dens Park in the Premiership and now welcome the same opponents to Pittodrie for Saturday's League Cup tie.

Robinson's side were criticised for the one-sided nature of Dundee's victory, which came after five successive victories.

"Of course we wanted a better performance," he said. "But if we had looked when I first came in and went 'okay we will definitely avoid the relegation play-off, we will revamp the whole squad, we will sign 13 new players and we have won five out of six', then I think everybody would have snapped our hand off.

"We have to put perspective on it and demand more than what we got last Saturday and I am confident we will get that.

"We expect to have bumps in the road when there are that many changes. Had we lost to Hearts and beaten Dundee, everything would be looking in the right direction and it is still is very much so going in the right direction."

The former St Mirren and Motherwell boss insisted his Pittodrie project "is going to take a little bit of time", explaining: "We are rebuilding a whole squad and to do that in one window is very, very difficult.

"We have made brilliant strides but it [the criticism] is part of the territory.

"You can chose to listen to it or you can believe in what you are doing which all the players, all the staff and the board – we all do.

"We are very confident in what we are doing as a group.

"I know that over a lot of games at this level that, if given time, there will be cup finals, top six finishes and Europe. We are all being critical of our performance ourselves, but I know that we will be better."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson has been speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's League Cup last 16 visit of Dundee.

Here are the main points:

• After losing 2-0 away to Dundee in the league, he says they have to do "most things" better this time round and stresses "we all know we can raise our levels and that is what we will have to do".

• He adds "we will improve on every aspect of the performance".

• With Aberdeen facing criticism following that defeat at Dens Park last week, Robinson believes "perspective has to be put on it" and says ''I don't look at reactions, my reaction and the players reactions are the one that counts".

• Robinson says that social media as "a cesspit negativity" and questions "why we even mention it".

• He adds "if we had all looked when I first came in here and went 'we will definitely avoid the relegation play-off, we will revamp the whole squad, we will sign 13 new players and we have won five out of six' then I think everybody would have snapped our hand off."

• And the former St Mirren boss points out "this is a project that is going to take a little bit of time, we are rebuilding a whole squad and to do that in one window is very very difficult".

• With so much change over the last six months, Robinson expected "to have bumps in the road" and stresses things are "still very much going in the right direction".

• Robinson says everyone at the club believes in what they are doing and insists "I know that over a lot of games in this level that, if given time, there will be cup finals, top six finishes and Europe and that has been proven over time."

• Following young midfielder Kjartan Mar Kjartansson's move to SK Brann, Robinson admits "KJ made it very very clear he didn't want to be at the football club" but says it is a good deal for the club who are well protected if he kicks on in his career.

• Team news: Brad Lyons misses out with a knee injury, Connor Ronan will be assessed today. New striker Mitchy Ntelo could make his debut.

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Kjartan Mar Kjartansson has left Aberdeen to join Eliteserien side SK Brann for an undisclosed fee, with head coach Stephen Robinson saying the sale has earned the Dons a "healthy profit".

Iceland Under-21 midfielder Kjartansson joined from Stjarnan last summer but had expressed a desire to return closer to home.

The 22-year-old made nine appearances for the Dons, scoring one goal and setting up another.

"His opportunities within the first team have been limited, and we recognise his desire to play regular first-team football, whilst also relocating closer to family and friends," said Robinson.

"With the club making a healthy profit on the transfer, whilst also retaining a meaningful interest in Kjartan's future, we believe this move represents the best way forward for all parties.

Kjartansson said: "I'd like to thank everyone at Aberdeen for the support I've received since joining the club," Kjartansson said.

"It's been a valuable experience for me to move to Scotland, both as a player and as a person. However, I feel the opportunity to join SK Brann and continue my development in Norway is the best pathway for me at this stage of my career."

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Goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov has left Aberdeen to join German second-tier club St Pauli.

The 29-year-old Bulgarian moves on for an undisclosed fee after 78 appearances for the Dons, including the club's 2025 Scottish Cup victory when he stopped two penalties in the Hampden shoot-out.

"Dimi has made a significant contribution to Aberdeen and, during my time at the club, he has carried himself with the utmost professionalism and been a real leader both on and off the pitch," said manager Stephen Robinson.

"We were aware of his desire to pursue a new challenge and, when St Pauli presented an offer which met our valuation, it was a deal that made sense for both the player and the club.

"Of course, you never want to lose good players, but we respect Dimi's ambition and this is a good opportunity for him at this stage of his career."

Mitov, capped 15 times, moved to Pittodrie in the summer of 2024 after an impressive campaign with St Johnstone.

"I leave Aberdeen knowing I've given my absolute best," he said.

"I've been fortunate to share some unbelievable memories with the supporters, from that afternoon at Hampden to the European nights at Pittodrie, and those are moments I will always remember."

Norwegian side SK Brann are close to agreeing a deal for Aberdeen defensive midfielder Kjartan Mar Kjartansson, 20. Sky Sports, external

Former Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass has turned down the chance to become Scotland Under-21 head coach. Daily Record - subscription required, external

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

The first thing that should be acknowledged in the wake of Aberdeen's defeat to Dundee on Saturday is that Steven Pressley's hosts were excellent across the board, from back to front.

In fact, they were everything the Dons weren't.

Pressley has had to rebuild Dundee for a second successive summer and the early signs are he has done so successfully. They were streets ahead of the visitors, having performed admirably at Celtic Park five days before.

But the alarm bells were ringing among the huge Aberdeen support at Dens, who knew they had been fortunate to win on the opening weekend, with this 2-0 defeat being pretty flattering given Dundee's profligacy.

New left-back Nesta Guinness-Walker will have had nightmares about Joe Bevan since the game. He gave him a torrid time throughout, though he wasn't aided by the ineffective former Dee Tony Yogane ahead of him.

While slightly better in the second half after a couple of changes and despite hitting the woodwork twice, Stephen Robinson's men didn't look like a side that could repeat the spectacular Artful Dodger act they had produced seven days before against Hearts.

Aberdeen and Dundee go head-to-head again this weekend in the League Cup at Pittodrie and there is going to have to be an almighty sea change if Robinson is going to take this team through to the quarter-finals of a competition he won last season.

In his defence, this is a totally new team and at times his players played, particularly at the back, as if they'd just met, which, relatively speaking, they have.

There will have to be a grace period, however, that, with this following on from several failed eras, won't extend much into September.

But Saturday was a sobering performance. Dundee played them like a fiddle, with looming trips to Motherwell and Celtic, either side of a visit from Rangers, to come in the next few weeks.

Robinson has a substantial job on his hands on this showing.

Aberdeen will receive a fee of £430,000, plus add-ons once goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov completes his move to St Pauli. (Sky Sports)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Glen Schreuder
Fan writer

It's the hope that kills you.

The wish was Aberdeen would build on the last-minute victory at Hearts - but we instead served up a stinker.

Not only did we fall to defeat, we went down with a whimper, showing no fight or what felt like any resemblance of effort.

Stephen Robinson prides himself on making his teams hard to beat, but we rolled over and allowed Dundee to tickle our tummy as Joe Bevan ran riot.

Alarmingly, we looked devoid of ideas again going forward and all over the pitch we struggled with any form of cohesion and teamwork.

Maybe the win over Hearts and League Cup campaign papered over cracks.

August was always going to be the real test, we scraped a pass against Hearts, but the weekend was a big 'F' for fail.

Dundee will be licking their lips before Saturday's rematch in the League Cup while we are left to lick our wounds, regroup and hope we can continue on the road to Hampden for silverware.

Glen Schreuder can be found at Red Tinted Glasses, external

German Bundesliga 2 side St Pauli have made a move for Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, offering a six-figure fee, plus add-ons, for the Bulgarian, 29. (Record - subscription required, external)

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Watch all the highlights as Dundee beat Stephen Robinson's Aberdeen 2-0 at Dens Park in the Scottish Premiership. Available to UK users only.

Aberdeen fans, we asked for your views on your side's loss to Dundee.

Here is a selection of what you said:

Sandra: Ragdolled today. Given the standard of recruitment I wasn't anticipating any skill. I was expecting effort and organisation though or what was the point?

Only August and this season already stretches ahead as a tedious grind…

Andy: Back to square one as far as I can see.

We got out of jail last week but can't rely on that every time.

Second best all over the park, a real wake up call to Stephen Robinson and his group of players.

Graham: So much for Robinson saying he is going not buying players who really want to play for Aberdeen. As we are seeing only too often, nothing up front and nobody willing to take some shots

Kate: Outclassed and outplayed by Dundee. Aberdeen too many players not up to scratch, no fight and desire that Stephen Robinson expects from his players.

Best part about the game when the subs came on then I felt there was some momentum to late by then we had lost the game.

Lachlan: An absolutely pathetic Aberdeen performance. Last week against Hearts papered over a lot of cracks in this team. We've got a long season on our hands if things don't change fast. Same old from Aberdeen.

Stephen: That's the feel good factor over for another season. We had the chance to go top of the league, and once again we bottled it. The egos need to be put aside, and more concentration is needed. Fans want to see that you're committed to the shirt, not just to pick up easy wages.

David: Aberdeen just as bad as last season, I fear the worst.

Fred: Unfortunately as bad as last season. Nothing else to say.

Marty: Pathetic, abysmal & clueless from back to front, an utter embarrassment for all of us who were down.

Steven: It was a poor performance. Not unexpected given the turnaround in the squad. The manager needs to get solutions to the lack of creativity in midfield and in wide positions. The fans need to show some patience.

Joe Bevan inspired Dundee to their first Scottish Premiership win of the season as lacklustre Aberdeen were soundly beaten at Dens Park.

MATCH REPORT

HAVE YOUR SAY

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Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson: "An incredibly disappointing performance. I didn't recognise the team.

"We didn't do what we do. We didn't outfight them, we didn't outrun them, we didn't outbattle them - they did the opposite to us and their front four set the press and then we couldn't cope with it.

"People went into their shell a little bit. You need to win second balls, you need to win battles. We didn't do that in the middle of the park at all. We didn't do it all over the pitch.

"There's a lot that has to be better. We didn't do the basics right and it's not like us. Very unlike us."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Chris Cadden described his move to Aberdeen as the "perfect fit", admitting: "I was ready for a new challenge."

The right-back arrived at Pittodrie on a two-year deal at the end of last month after five years at Hibernian and made his Dons debut in last weekend's Scottish Premiership win over Hearts.

"In terms of the stage in my career, my age - I think I am just coming in to my prime years hopefully," said the 29-year-old Scotland cap.

"So all that from my side of things, but also the size of the club, the fan base, everything that comes along with that, I know how big Aberdeen is, I played up here against them plenty of times away from home, I know how big the club is so as soon as I heard about the interest it was something I was really keen to get done and just sort of felt it was a perfect fit for me at this stage of my career."

Cadden played 166 times for Hibs and was asked if it was a wrench to leave Easter Road.

"That is maybe partly why I needed a change," he explained. "I loved my time at Hibs, it was great, we had a really successful time there but I just think sometimes you need a little bit of change in a career and a fresh start and Aberdeen is the perfect club for me to do that.

"I wasn't just going to jump ship, it had to be the right move and the right club and I feel this is.

"The manager was a big part of it as well. I played under him before with successful times at Motherwell as well and really enjoyed his football and what he brings.

"He really wanted me, which was big for me so yes, I'm excited and I can see what the gaffer can bring and that success to a football club and that continuity he can create at a football club so I am really excited."

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Aberdeen pair Brad Lyons and Connor Ronan face fitness checks while Ante Palaversa, Mats Knoester, Kristers Tobers (both knee) and Kusini Yengi (thigh) are still out.

Dundee boss Steven Pressley is set to have an unchanged squad, with Imari Samuels and Callum Jones still out.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Stephen Robinson has highlighted the "inner belief" now present in the Aberdeen squad.

After winning all four of their Premier Sports Cup group stage games, the Dons opened their Scottish Premiership campaign with a dramatic victory over last season's runners-up Hearts last weekend.

Robinson's side were trailing until the 90th minute at Pittodrie before goals from Lewis Mayo and Kevin Nisbet sealed a thrilling win.

And, speaking before Saturday's Premiership trip to Dundee, Robinson said: "There is an inner belief now in the squad that we are fit enough, we are strong enough, 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 with that but we didn't lie down, we didn't lose belief and that is something my teams always do, they go until the end.

"You don't choose to play poorly but you choose what your attitude is and certainly everybody in this building that will be involved will have an attitude to run and make sure until the 96th, 97th minute that we are still in a game and if you can do that more often than not, you will pick up points."

Dundee host the Dons after a narrow 1-0 defeat at Celtic Park on Monday.

"Momentum is everything in football, winning football matches gives you belief," Robinson added.

"We have got a lot of new players, I think it is 12 we have signed, eight or nine started on Saturday, so it is work in progress.

"It is not going to be the finished article after one league game so we know that, we are aware of lots of things that can be improved in the final third.

"I am a realist, we understand that, we understand it is 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."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Saturday's Premiership trip to Dundee.

Here are the main points:

• The Dons have a 100% record in all competitions so far and Robinson stresses "momentum is everything in football".

• But despite beating last season's Premiership runners-up Hearts in their opening league game, Robinson admits his new look squad is still a "work in progress" and stresses "it is not going to be the finished article after one league game".

• After that dramatic late comeback at Pittodrie last week, Robinson praises the "inner belief" in his squad to grind out a victory.

• The former St Mirren manager is expecting "a very, very tough game" against a Dundee team he thought were "excellent" in their 1-0 defeat at Celtic on Monday night.

• On reported interest in Dons keeper Dimitar Mitov, Robinson insists "we haven't had anything concrete yet".

• In fact, Robinson says there is no update with regards to any more new signings or possible departures.

• The boss says "leader" Mats Knoester, who fractured his knee on the final day of last season, is back in full training but isn't ready for Saturday's match although he could return to action in a couple of weeks.

• Team news: Brad Lyons and Connor Ronan are doubts for the trip to Dens Park.

Image source, SNS

• Aberdeen's Kevin Nisbet scored and assisted in their 2-1 comeback win over Hearts on matchday one. Away from home, Nisbet's past three league goals have all been scored at Dens Park against Dundee: one each in September 2024, February 2025 and December 2025.

• Dundee have won their past two league meetings with Aberdeen, as many as their previous 33 beforehand (W2 D8 L23).

• Aberdeen have scored at least twice in seven consecutive league games against Dundee, their joint-longest run against any opponent in the 21st century, also scoring 2+ seven times in a row versus Kilmarnock from April 2015 to February 2017.

• Dundee have won their last three home games in the Scottish Premiership, their joint-longest home winning run in the 21st century.

• Aberdeen have won four of their past seven Premiership matches (D1 L2), more than they managed in their previous 19 games (W3 D4 L12). Since the start of this run on 11 April, only Celtic (21) have won more points than Aberdeen (13).