Jimmy Thelin has insisted any thoughts of Premier Sports Cup glory have been parked because Aberdeen’ssole focus is on trying to extend their unbeaten run against Rangers.
The Dons make the trip to Hampden for their semi-final with Celtic on Saturday but their manager has insisted that isn’t even on their radar. Chasing Rangers make the trip to the Granite City and Thelin‘s team has the opportunity to put even more distance between them and Philippe Clement’s side. Thelin stated: “We don’t think about the Saturday game right now. The focus is all on tomorrow.
“That is why you have to be so focused on the things that happen today and not tomorrow because you can’t lose energy to think about what is in the future. The only thing that matters is the next training or game. That is the only way. You need to find as much energy as possible if you focus on only the next game.
“Even in the start of July, when the cup starts, you should always try to be the best you can be. That is the responsibility of myself and the staff, together with the players, to have the best team or squad because we use every player on the pitch for every specific game. It is no different for Wednesday.”
Aberdeen could move nine points clear of the Light Blues with another win. Thelin, however, knows there is a job to be done and nothing will be decided at this early stage.
He said: “It is so early, we are in October. I don’t think about the table in that way and how many points etc. The most important thing is our performance in the game and that is the only thing we focus on.”
Thelin was full of respect for Clement but admitted the focus on Cormack Park has been more about his team. He explained: “As usual our preparations are in our beliefs and what we focus on. Then we have an opponent, of course.
“Rangers have an experienced coach in Philippe Clement and they are a good team. It will be a tough game but still our focus is more on what we can do at Pittodrie.
“As usual, we always respect the opponent and how we work for the week and try to find their weaknesses and strengths. For us, it is more like the normal routine. I think we are ready to hopefully make another good performance again.”
Pittodrie is sold out for the third game on the bounce and their manager knows the Red Army can play their part. Thelin said: “We know how we want to look as a football club. Togetherness is important.
“Hopefully that can raise our performances more consistently during the games, when you need that extra punch in a positive way. It can be amazing. We are trying to keep this connection especially through tougher times.
“In May, hopefully we will be a good team and to do that we need to grow every week. That is why we can’t stop doing this, even during the hard times. Every game together we will try and get better and better.”
Striker Kevin Nisbet is 50/50 for the game with a calf problem. Thelin will give him every opportunity, admitting: “The physios are working ahead of him, so let’s see tomorrow. Dante is back on the pitch training with us. It will still be some weeks.”