Aberdeen's manager outlines key player attributes to turn around the club's fortunes.
Topics covered
Aberdeen’s strategic overhaul: Jimmy Thelin’s demands for player performance
In a bid to reverse a troubling trend, Aberdeen’s manager, Jimmy Thelin, has laid out the essential qualities he expects from every player under his leadership. With the January transfer window in full swing, Thelin has already secured four new signings, aiming to bolster a squad that has struggled significantly in recent months.
The Dons are currently enduring a dismal 12-game winless streak in the league, a situation that has left them with just four points from a possible 36.
Mandatory qualities for success
Thelin has made it clear that certain standards must be met by both new recruits and existing players.
He emphasized the importance of technical ability with the ball and the need for players to quickly adapt to the team’s structure when possession is lost. “All these demands are mandatory for everybody to understand,” Thelin stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The Dons have not celebrated a league victory in over two months, with their last win coming against Dundee on November 9.
Recent improvements and future aspirations
Despite the league struggles, there was a glimmer of hope last weekend when Aberdeen triumphed over Elgin City 3-0 in the Scottish Cup, marking their first victory in a while. Thelin began his tenure at Pittodrie with an impressive unbeaten streak, which included 15 wins in 16 matches across all competitions. However, a sharp decline in form has seen the team slip to fourth place in the league, just two points behind third-placed Dundee United.
Building a resilient team
Thelin remains optimistic about the potential for a turnaround, insisting that challenges should not deter the club from its long-term goals. “If you want to create a strong team year by year, you can’t give up if you have a challenging time,” he remarked. The manager’s focus is on instilling a sense of stability and resilience within the squad, which he believes is crucial for sustained success.
Strategic signings to enhance performance
To address the current challenges, Thelin has actively pursued reinforcements during the transfer window. Notable signings include centre-back Kristers Tobers and versatile full-back Alexander Jensen, both of whom have shown promise since joining the club. Additionally, loan deals for centre-back Alfie Dorrington from Tottenham and winger Jeppe Okkels from Preston North End are expected to provide further depth to the squad.
Focus on improvement and upcoming fixtures
Thelin is committed to focusing on aspects within the team’s control, such as player behavior and quality of play, rather than external factors. He believes that consistent improvement is essential for the team’s success moving forward. Looking ahead, Aberdeen’s next challenge will be a Scottish Cup fifth-round tie against Dunfermline Athletic, scheduled for February 9, which will be broadcast live on Premier Sports.
