Thelin Views Away Game Streak as a ‘Challenge’

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has stated his enthusiasm for the “challenge” presented by three consecutive away matches, choosing not to perceive it as a “negative”. The Dons are scheduled to visit Tynecastle on Sunday for a Scottish Premiership fixture, following a loss at St Mirren on Saturday and a draw at Hibs on Tuesday. Thelin further indicated that this demanding series of fixtures has provided him with a clearer insight into his squad, revealing which players are most capable of handling multiple games within a single week. Thelin commented, “I try to always stay positive and take it as a challenge. How can we best prepare and be ready? Don’t think about the negative things. You can’t change that it is three away games. We always have to think about what we can do. Every week we understand which players have more capacity to play three games in a week, and that can also shift during the season. That’s why you need to go day by day and game by game.” Despite Hearts’ ongoing difficulties this season, which included a Conference League loss against Cercle Brugge on Thursday, Thelin emphasized that he is not underestimating their upcoming opponents in the capital. The Swedish manager stated, “They have a good squad, and made early changes in [Thursday’s] game so I expect they will be ready. They have good players, a new coach with new ideas. I don’t think any game in this league is easy. We have to try to keep balance in our games and take the challenge.”