Boss Jimmy Thelin instills belief in Dons as they face Celtic's formidable challenge.
Topics covered
As Aberdeen prepares for their upcoming clash against Celtic, manager Jimmy Thelin is determined to instill a sense of belief in his players. The Dons are set to face the Premiership leaders at Parkhead, where they have not secured a victory since May 2018.
With a 28-game winless streak against Celtic looming over them, Thelin’s message is clear: approach the game with confidence and determination.
Historical context and recent performances
Celtic, the defending Premiership champions, are on a remarkable run, having won their last nine home league games without conceding a single goal.
This impressive feat has never been achieved in the club’s history, and they are eager to extend this streak to ten matches. However, Aberdeen holds a unique distinction this season; they are the only team to have avoided defeat at Parkhead, managing a 2-2 draw in October. This gives the Dons a glimmer of hope as they aim to break their winless run.
Thelin’s strategy and player updates
Thelin is focused on maintaining the momentum gained from recent victories, having secured three wins in their last four matches across all competitions. He emphasizes the importance of competing for their supporters and for personal growth as a team. The Dons’ goalkeeper, Dimitar Mitov, has returned to the starting lineup after recovering from injury, and his presence will be crucial in facing Celtic’s attacking prowess. Mitov’s leadership and experience will be vital as he aims to keep a clean sheet against a team that has scored 43 goals at home this season.
Overcoming past challenges
Aberdeen’s last encounter with Celtic ended in a disheartening 6-0 defeat during the League Cup semi-final, a result that many feared could derail their season. However, Thelin remains optimistic, asserting that the team did not lose confidence from that match. Instead, he believes that each game presents a new opportunity, and the Dons must focus on moving forward. With Celtic having recently faced setbacks, including a draw against Bayern Munich and a loss to Hibs, Aberdeen sees this as a chance to capitalize on their rivals’ vulnerabilities.
Looking ahead: A battle of identities
Thelin acknowledges the challenge posed by Celtic’s clear identity and fast-paced style of play. He aims to instill a similar clarity and precision in his own team, emphasizing the need for consistency and tempo. As the Dons prepare for this crucial match, the focus will be on executing their game plan effectively and seizing the moment to finally secure a long-awaited victory against their formidable opponents.
