Jimmy Thelin believes Aberdeen’s best chance of getting a result in their table-topping clash against Celtic is to stay true to their own their identity and what they have been trying to build since the start of the season.
The Dons and Hoops have both won their opening seven Premiership games but something has to give when the top two go head-to-head at Celtic Park. Thelin has put his blueprint and fundamentals in place and believes if they remain true to them then that will give them their best chance of keeping their 100 per cent record alive.
The Swede said: “Their (Celtic’s) results speak for themselves throughout the years. For us, the most important thing we can do and to give us the best chance to improve and get a result is to be as true to ourselves and the identity we try to create. The things we are trying to build here but it is still a long-term process to be better every week. From the last games we need to learn and where we need to improve. We also need to look at our strengths and what we are really good at already.
“As usual, it is game-by-game, stay humble and respect the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. We will try to perform as best as we can do as Aberdeen.”
People outside have tried to bill this as a test of whether or not Aberdeen can be genuine title contenders. That is not even on his radar at this early stage. Thelin stated: “It is way too early. We have played seven games and it will be our eighth game on Saturday.
“It is October but we have to go to May and a lot of things can happen. Nothing has changed in how we think about things. We have a long-term project and we go game-by-game to be better and to have a clear identity, as to how we train and compete.
“There is also the team spirit. We are right now on a good track but we still need to improve a lot of things and stay humble. We need to put in a lot of effort and try and try again. That is where we are just now.”
Brendan Rodgers’ side have obvious strengths. They will have to be combated while Thelin also wants his side to be the best they can be on the ball to exploit their weaknesses. He added: “Celtic’s history, what they have achieved so far and even this season speaks for itself.
“Football is football. It is a 90 minute game and we have to give everything. Everyone has to come out as the best they can be and also show our fans that we believe in what we are doing and being strong on that.
“We have to give everything we have. We have a clear game plan. We know what Celtic are good at but also to find their weakness and attack them there. We will also need to defend. One of the main things for us is how good we are with the ball.
Aberdeen have won all 13 games in all competitions. Some critics claim they have an easy start but Thelin dismissed those comments and insisted all he cares about is improving his Aberdeen team. He stated: “I have nothing to say about that. I take it game by game.
“It is football, every game has its challenges and is competitive. We have won games late and we have found a way to win games. That is what we are trying to do with this spirit. What other people think, I don’t care about that.”