Image source: bbc.com
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin delivered a scathing assessment of his players following their 1-0 defeat to Falkirk, demanding they “drop their egos” and look at themselves in the mirror after another disappointing performance that extends their recent poor run of form.
Jimmy Thelin Demands Aberdeen Players ‘Drop Egos’ After Damaging Falkirk Defeat
The Dons have now lost four of their past five games, with their positive autumnal form that had lifted them away from relegation trouble becoming a distant memory. Following the drab loss to Falkirk, Thelin broke cover to criticise his own players in unusually frank terms, stating that sometimes players must examine their own performances and commitment levels.
Thelin expressed particular frustration with his team’s lack of desire compared to their opponents, telling BBC Scotland that Falkirk showed greater hunger to win the match. “I have to say, and I don’t like to say it, but Falkirk had this desire to win a football game,” the manager said. “We have to change that as quick as possible. It’s more about responsibility.”
The Swedish manager emphasised that football extends beyond technical ability and tactical systems, demanding greater passion and team spirit from his squad. “The problem is how we lose these games. Right now we have to drop our egos and play much, much better as a team spirit, as a team-mate and who you’re actually playing for, and the fans who travel and the club,” Thelin explained.
Aberdeen’s recent slump comes after an eight-game unbeaten run that included a narrow victory over league leaders Hearts, suggesting the corner had been turned at Pittodrie. However, Thelin acknowledged the team has regressed to their early-season struggles, with several summer signings including Adil Aouchiche, Jesper Karlsson and Dimitar Mitov failing to meet expectations this campaign.
The manager stressed that supporters should always feel the team is giving maximum effort, regardless of results, but admitted his current squad cannot provide that guarantee. “Even if we don’t have a perfect game or not win a game, they should always feel that we give everything. Right now, we can’t give them that and that’s not good enough,” Thelin concluded.
