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Aberdeen sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel confirmed the club will have a managerial shortlist ready in a few more days as the search for Jimmy Thelin’s replacement continues. Peter Leven remains in interim charge with Aberdeen eighth in the Scottish Premiership, having lost five of their past six league games and failed to score in four consecutive matches.
Aberdeen Sporting Director Confirms Manager Shortlist Ready Within Days
The German is leading the search for Thelin’s replacement after the Swede’s 18-month tenure ended in early January, eight months after Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup final victory. Pfannenstiel revealed the club has progressed beyond the long list stage and is now focusing on final candidates for the permanent position at Pittodrie Stadium.
Aberdeen’s struggles continue to mount with the club sitting eighth in the Scottish Premiership table. The Dons have endured a torrid run of form, losing five of their past six league games while failing to find the net in their last four fixtures, highlighting the urgency surrounding the managerial appointment.
Pfannenstiel emphasized the importance of making the right decision rather than rushing the process ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers. The sporting director stressed that upcoming league fixtures against Livingston and Kilmarnock represent crucial opportunities for results, describing them as games Aberdeen must win to achieve their seasonal objectives.
While refusing to reveal specific names under consideration, Pfannenstiel suggested knowledge of Scottish football would be beneficial for the eventual appointee, though he indicated this was not essential. The German outlined his preferred profile as someone with experience, motivational qualities and the ability to guide Aberdeen’s young players, emphasizing the need for a manager with both tactical acumen and strong personality traits.
Pfannenstiel highlighted that successful foreign coaches currently operate in the Scottish Premiership without prior experience in the country, suggesting Aberdeen remains open to candidates from various backgrounds. The sporting director confirmed the appointment will focus on playing style, philosophy and personality rather than nationality, as the club seeks to reverse their current poor form and return to competitive levels.
