Interview | Barry Robson

“I enjoyed racing all the young boys at pre-season! That is just the way I am and the way I have always been throughout my career and always will be. When that leaves you then I will know it is time but as I say the desire is still burning inside. I can still hold my own in all the fitness tests”.

You can hear the competitive edge in Barry’s voice when the talks about preseason, and it’s that winning mentality that drives him on even now.

“I think the manager signed Willo and myself because we were that type of players and type of people. The manager is also like that and so is Tony Docherty. We play head tennis some days after training and Tony can be a worse loser than even me! That is the type of mentality you need to spread. It is a big football club this and it has not been where it should have been in previous years. A big thing for the manager is making Aberdeen a bit club again and making Pittodrie an intimidating place to come and play again.

“Every club I have been at has been different with different types of quality.

“At Celtic there was quality, at Middlesbrough there was some unbelievable quality and I can see the quality that is here. However what I think makes a good side is being a team. That is the most important thing. I have been in teams where there is a lot of quality but the team is full of individuals. I am a big believer that is all about the team. With quality individuals, they can win you games but to be successful over a longer period, to win trophies you need a team with hunger and desire.

Manager | Derek McInnes

“On Saturday we welcome Paul Hartley, his players, staff and supporters to the north east. Last season, the games between the two sides were very finely balanced and when there is a thin line between winning and losing it’s important you try and find a way to win. They’re a good side, a very experienced side, they’ve got a lot of knowhow there, some good individual players. Paul’s put together a very strong squad and obviously the demands on their team increase after having a successful campaign last season.
“Dundee will give anyone a hard game and we found that last season, but there will be a lot of good players on show for both teams and it’s important we try and bring a strong performance to help us get the job done. But it will be tough. We’ve had a good, solid start and we want to make it four wins out of four, but we’re going to have to earn it.”

Captain | Ryan Jack

“Winning games at home is going to be crucial if we want to have another successful season but in Dundee, we are up against a team which has started pretty well and who proved difficult opponents for us last season. We will need to do better today than in some of the games last season, but we are going into all our games with plenty of confidence at the moment and we feel we can come away with the right result against anyone.”

Former Players Interview | Karim Touzani

“After I left Aberdeen I went back to Holland. I played for Sparta Rotherdam but unfortunately I got injured. During the three years I was there, I had quite a few injuries in the end so sadly that was my last club.
“The injuries got the better of me so I decided to give up football and retired from the game. I then started studying. I am learning to be a physiotherapist. I have a year of my course left, so after next year, I am finished.

“Just like when I was a footballer, I want to be the best physiotherapist I can. I am giving it 200%. I am not sure what will happen after I finish my course, but I am enjoying it. Once I am qualified, there is no reason why I can’t move about so maybe I will return to Scotland one day.”

RedMatchday Magazine is priced at £3.00 and is available from the sellers in and around the ground before the game as well the AFC Club shop. For anyone who can't make it along to Pittodrie on Saturday you can buy a copy of RedMatchday online please click here

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