Jimmy Thelin was forced into an Aberdeen change during the first half of the defeat to St Mirren.
It happened when Slobozan Rubezic, who had endured a tough start to the game and was at fault for the Buddies’ seventh minute opener, asked to be subbed off despite not appearing to be injured.
As well as having a big part to play in the first goal, Rubezic had been given the runaround by Toyosi Olusanya and Mikael Mandron and looked rattled.
He signalled to the bench for a change and Tottenham loanee Alfie Dorrington came on in his place.
Manager Jimmy Thelin was asked whether the Dons centre-half was injured post-match and explained he had yet to have a conversation with him.
The Dons manager shouldered the responsibility of the torrid run and has also been told where his Aberdeen side are going wrong.
Thelin has now spoken more on the situation with Rubezic.
Aberdeen to support Rubezic
The Pittodrie boss has vowed to support the player if he is going through a difficult moment with low confidence.
He says he will always protect his charges and would expect their teammates to do the same.
Thelin said: “We are always going to support our players.
“If they do make a mistake then we have to protect them.
“That’s what I have to think about and also if these things happen, someone is there to support them on the pitch.
“I have to protect my players so that they can get good performances on the pitch again.”
What Thelin said on Rubezic after Aberdeen defeat
“He (Rubezic) said he wanted to change and let’s see, I haven’t spoken to him yet,” said Thelin.
“I will do that after this press conference and then talk to him with some feelings or whatever it is.”
Asked if Rubezic was injured, Thelin said: “That’s what I don’t know yet.
“I haven’t spoken to him.
“No, I think it’s emotions in football, but I’m always supporting my players.”