Interim boss Barry Robson wants to get Aberdeen playing “brilliant” football – but accepts that can be difficult at this stage of the season.
Football purist Robson aims to deliver entertaining action as well as victories while in charge of the Dons.
However he accepts poor pitches and teams scrapping for Premiership survival can make it harder to deliver that vision.
That was the case in the derby clash at Dundee United at the weekend, yet the Dons triumphed 3-1 at Tannadice.
Robson reckons the Reds needed to show their fight against bottom club Dundee United before their quality shone through.
The “brilliant” football ultimately came via an audacious goal from Duk and impressive finishes from Ross McCrorie and Marley Watkins.
Robson said: “I want to play brilliant, nice football.
“No-one wants to do that more than me.
“For someone that is a real football purist I want to see the game played in a certain way.
“However the pitches at this time of year don’t let you play football.
“You also have teams fighting for survival and a hostile atmosphere.
“When you want to play you also have to remember what is at stake and the pitches.
“We know that at this stage of the season you have to dig in to win games.
“You need to stay in the fight to find a way to win and we did that a Dundee United.”
Brilliance of Duk drawing attention
Cape Verde international striker Duk’s goal against Dundee United was the embodiment of “brilliant” football.
It also had the fight that Robson wants to go with the skill and vision.
The 23-year-old chased down Ryan Edwards, battled to win possession and then powered beyond the defender.
Breaking into the penalty area Duk, under pressure, unleashed a sublime back heeled dink on the run from eight yards.
👏 Duuuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkkk.#StandFree | #cinchPrem pic.twitter.com/L53AxISfED
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) March 4, 2023
It was a contender for goal-of-the-season – as many of Duk’s 13 goals during the campaign have been.
Duk’s form has not gone unnoticed as a number of English teams are reportedly monitoring the striker ahead of a potential summer transfer window bid.
Secured from Benfica last summer Duk is contracted to the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Aberdeen are searching for a new manager following the sacking of Jim Goodwin on January 28.
Under the guidance of Robson and assistant Steve Agnew the Dons have won three of their previous four matches.
That has elevated the Reds back into the Premiership top six.
Robson has led Aberdeen back into the hunt for European qualification.
Detailed work at Cormack Park
Interim boss Robson praised the Dons for winning “the war” against bottom club Dundee United who are scrapping to avoid relegation.
However he insists his training at Cormack Park is a lot more nuanced than just working on instilling a battling mentality.
Robson said: “They put in a good performance and ran and ran to get a win away from home.
“They stood up to everything Dundee United threw at them. They fought.
“And on the transition, which is something we have been working at, they looked really dangerous.
“I know people will probably just think we won the war.
“But believe me I am a lot more detailed with what I do with my work.
“We are winning games and that is important.”
Conversation