Goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov reflects on his rehabilitation and the team's progress.
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Aberdeen’s goalkeeper, Dimitar Mitov, has made a significant impact upon his return to the squad, just in time for a crucial period in the season. After a month-long absence due to a shoulder injury, Mitov played a pivotal role in the Dons’ thrilling 2-1 victory over Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-final, which has set the stage for a final showdown against Celtic at Hampden Park on May 24.
Mitov’s journey back to fitness
Mitov’s road to recovery has been anything but easy. He sustained his injury during Bulgaria’s Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland on March 20, marking his 10th cap for his national team.
During his absence, Ross Doohan stepped in as the starting goalkeeper, helping the team secure vital points in the Premiership. However, Mitov’s determination to return was evident as he pushed himself through rigorous training and rehabilitation sessions.
“I was pushing – I was training like crazy, being in the gym and doing all the rehab possible,” Mitov shared. His commitment to returning to the pitch was fueled by the Dons’ ambitions in both the league and the cup. With a Scottish Cup final on the horizon, he was eager to contribute to the team’s success.
Looking ahead to the final against Celtic
As Aberdeen prepares to face Celtic, Mitov reflects on the team’s previous encounter, which ended in a disappointing 6-0 defeat in the League Cup semi-finals. Despite that setback, he believes the team has made significant strides since then. “At the time, we played against a really good team that managed to punish us,” he noted. “But in these games, you probably learn more about yourself as a team than any other game.”
Mitov emphasized the importance of solidifying the defense, stating, “First and foremost, we had to stop getting chances created against us because I felt like we were conceding way too many chances.” With new defensive players integrated into the squad, he is optimistic about their chances in the upcoming final.
A rollercoaster season for Aberdeen
This season has been a rollercoaster for Aberdeen, with early successes followed by a challenging stretch of 14 matches without a win. However, the recent victory over Hearts has reignited hope, as the Dons are now unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions. Mitov remarked, “That’s what makes football exciting. We had the highs early in the season to having the lows in mid-season, and then getting on a high again.”
Under the guidance of manager Jimmy Thelin, the team has embraced a philosophy of resilience and continuous improvement. Mitov expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress, stating, “You can see that the team is playing better and better, and when we play together more and more games, the team is only going to improve.”
As the Dons gear up for the Scottish Cup final, Mitov’s return not only boosts the squad’s morale but also serves as a testament to the team’s determination to succeed. With a strong foundation and a renewed sense of purpose, Aberdeen is ready to face the challenge ahead.
