Thelin Discusses Mitov’s Return, Kilmarnock Match, and Managerial Learning

Jimmy Thelin addressed the media ahead of Aberdeen’s Boxing Day fixture against Kilmarnock. The main points from the Pittodrie boss included: Goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, who was initially anticipated to be sidelined until mid-January due to a hamstring injury, has resumed training and is now available for the match at Rugby Park. Following a run of six games without a victory, Thelin stated that confidence is not a concern, but emphasized that the Dons require “to be more stable as a team”. The Swede highlighted the necessity for improvement, attributing it to an “unnecessary” loss of rhythm in their last two matches, a pattern he noted has persisted since the beginning of the season. Aberdeen will travel to Kilmarnock with a “strong belief” in securing a victory, with Thelin stating he does not want “excuses about the pitch etc”. Regarding whether he is gaining more insights during this difficult period, he commented: “Every day is learning about the league, the players, but it’s still football and we have a vision of how we want to look – that intensity team – and how we want to play. Sometimes you go one step back and want to push again for two steps forward.”