Jimmy Thelin, pictured right, emphasized the team’s connection with the supporters.
“When we release the handbrake and start playing, then everybody grows.”
Aberdeen fans have been eagerly awaiting Jimmy Thelin’s side to release that metaphorical handbrake.
Following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Motherwell, the Scottish Cup holders remained at the foot of the Scottish Premiership table, still searching for their first league goal.
The prospect of facing Shakhtar Donetsk at Pittodrie in the Europa Conference League on Thursday understandably raised concerns.
However, despite a 3-2 defeat against the Ukrainian side, there were glimpses of promise emerging from what has been a bleak run of form.
Prior to the match, captain Graeme Shinnie admitted the players had “100%” let down Thelin this season. But can Dons fans maintain optimism for the remainder of the campaign?
Thelin included three new summer signings in his starting XI against Shakhtar at Pittodrie, and each justified their manager’s confidence.
Stuart Armstrong, Marko Lazetic, and Jesper Karlsson displayed both diligence and dynamism when presented with opportunities.
The arrivals of Lazetic, formerly of AC Milan, and Karlsson, on loan from Bologna, were met with considerable anticipation, and both demonstrated their potential.
Lazetic showed promise in holding up the ball and creating shooting opportunities, injecting a new dimension into an attack that had been largely ineffective.
Karlsson displayed much-needed confidence in converting an early penalty, remaining energetic and demonstrating a willingness to contribute defensively as part of the team.
Armstrong played a crucial role in linking play and disrupting the visitors’ advances into the final third.
Aberdeen’s Nicky Devlin celebrates after scoring to make it 3-2
When Nicky Devlin headed in Aberdeen’s second goal with 20 minutes remaining, following Marko Lazetic’s spectacular effort, the home fans mirrored their side’s energy, hoping for a dramatic conclusion.
“The positive thing was we were connecting with the fans, showing some desire, passion, and personality on the pitch and fighting for Aberdeen football club,” Thelin said.
“We have to build on this now and learn from this. We always have to go out on the pitch to show how hard we are fighting for them.
“We did that today, the fans pushed the players to the last minute. We have to have that mentality every game. Now we will see the strength of character we have as a team in another important game on Sunday.”
The unwavering support within Pittodrie, as the fans watched their team push forward in the final half hour, will undoubtedly encourage Thelin, who can find reassurance in the backing of the fan base.
Despite Shakhtar’s reputation for dynamic attacking play, evidenced by their 14 goals in seven domestic league games, Aberdeen matched their drive and intensity during the most critical moments of the match.
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Positives to take for Dons boss despite Shakhtar defeat
Before the game, Thelin expressed his enthusiasm for his team’s new formation.
The Swede had largely adhered to a 4-2-3-1 system since arriving in Scotland last summer, with the notable exception of the 5-3-2 formation used in the Scottish Cup final against Celtic. He has now shifted to a hybrid defense with three central defenders and two versatile wing-backs.
It remains to be seen what tactical approach Thelin will adopt for Sunday’s match against Dundee at Pittodrie. However, former Aberdeen captain Willie Miller is optimistic.
“You felt when it went to 3-1, Aberdeen decided they had nothing to lose although at that point you are a bit nervous it could get embarrassing,” he said.
“All of a sudden they opened up, the whole game was turned on its head. I thought the Lazetic’s turn and strike was something special. It tells you so much when the fans stay back and applaud a team that has shown a bit of guts and determination and some good play to get themselves back into the game.
“You can see that things are beginning to turn around.”