The Dons aim for an underdog victory against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final.
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As the Scottish Cup final approaches, Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin is rallying his players to draw inspiration from unexpected victories in football history. With the Dons set to face treble-chasing Celtic at Hampden Park, Thelin believes that the recent triumph of Crystal Palace in the FA Cup can serve as a motivational beacon for his squad.
Confidence from cup shocks
The Dons are underdogs in this matchup, with Celtic being overwhelming favorites to secure the trophy and complete a domestic clean sweep. However, Thelin emphasizes that reaching the final is already a significant achievement for his team, which last appeared in the final eight years ago.
He stated, “It’s not every year you are in the Scottish Cup final. What we have tried to say is that it’s an achievement to arrive in the final, but once you are there, the winner takes it all.”
Thelin’s confidence is bolstered by the belief that anything can happen in a final. He pointed to Crystal Palace’s shocking victory over Manchester City as a testament to the unpredictability of cup competitions. “Does Crystal Palace winning the FA Cup last weekend show what can happen? Yes, because a final is always a final,” he remarked. Thelin’s message to his players is clear: approach the game with the right mindset, and the possibility of victory remains alive.
Respect for Celtic, determination to win
While Thelin holds great respect for Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and acknowledges the impressive work he has done during his second spell at the club, he insists that this admiration will not hinder his team’s ambition. “I like Brendan and have had good chats with him. He is a good person and a good manager,” Thelin said. However, he added, “On Saturday it’s a final, and now we will compete against each other. It’s really exciting.”
The Dons are determined to bring the cup back to Pittodrie, and Thelin’s focus is on instilling a winning mentality in his players. The team has been preparing diligently for the final, and Thelin is optimistic about their chances.
Player health and safety concerns
In the lead-up to the final, Thelin also addressed concerns regarding player safety after defender Jack MacKenzie suffered facial injuries from an incident involving a thrown chair during a previous match. Fortunately, MacKenzie has returned to training and is expected to be available for the final. “Jack is doing well. He was on the pitch today training with the team, so he’s okay,” Thelin confirmed.
The manager expressed relief that MacKenzie was not seriously injured and emphasized the importance of player safety in football. “Always, the safety of the players in every working place has to be secure,” he stated. Thelin also praised the passionate support from Aberdeen fans throughout the season, highlighting the positive atmosphere surrounding the club.
As the Dons prepare for this crucial match, Thelin’s leadership and the players’ determination to seize the moment could pave the way for an unforgettable Scottish Cup final.
