ROBSON: DONS CAN COPY DIEGO’S STYLE
BARRY ROBSON insists similarities in style between Derek McInnes and Diego Simeone remain Aberdeen’s best hope of copying the success of Atletico Madrid in Spain. The veteran midfielder retired after his last ever game on Sunday in a 4-0 defeat against Ross County, with the Dons’ title challenge once again imploding on the run-in. But Robson is convinced the club he leaves behind can still win the Premiership despite the threat of a re-established duopoly following Rangers’ return. He points to what feisty Argentinian Simeone has achieved while operating with a fraction of the budget enjoyed by Barcelona and Real Madrid. That didn’t prevent Atletico beating them both to the La Liga crown two years ago and they are now preparing for a second Champions League Final in three seasons. Robson spent the last three years of his playing career working under McInnes and believes the Aberdeen manager has built a squad in the same style as Simeone. ‘It’s amazing what you can do with organisation, fitness, a good group of players and a manager who is meticulous in everything he does,’ said Robson. ‘You see it with Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. It gives players hope that you can go on, fight and have the belief that you can match the bigger clubs. ‘Derek McInnes can do that and has a group of players who can do that. ‘The club is in great hands with one of the best young managers in Scotland.’ Meanwhile, Aberdeen have announced goalkeeper Scott Brown, defender Michael Rose and striker David Goodwillie have left the club.