Happy Jimmy Thelin acknowledged that he was relieved that Aberdeen had at last returned to winning ways in the Premiership at the fifteenth time.
Kevin Nisbet’s goal and Topi Keskinen’s incredible shot helped the Dons end their losing streak with a 2-1 victory at Dundee, putting them back in third place.
Ironically, Thelin’s team hadn’t triumphed in the league since November, when they had last defeated Dundee. The Aberdeen manager stated: “I’m obviously happy because everyone is aware of the run we’ve been on.”
It was so nice to get the three points and nice afterwards. It was a really nice feeling, in the dressing-room with the players and also with the supporters.
I am going to enjoy it, you always have to celebrate the small victories within the season to get new energy. Then tomorrow we will focus again on the next game and build on the things that were good today.
But of course you are happy because I know how hard everyone is working to get this win and also stay stable when it was a difficult time.
“We didn’t get panicked or stressed. It was nice to take the three points and it was nice to celebrate the way we did at the end.
“Our supporters have been there in tough times and the players put a smile on their faces. Now we have won a game again, have three points again – and I think the team is growing.”
Thelin’s side started with a winning run in the league and now after then went into their slump. The Swede will be hoping this is the start of another win as they look to try and stay best of the rest. Thelin claimed: “It’s really good, that is what we’re aiming for this season.
“There are still a lot of games to play so we have to keep working, keep the intensity up. It’s going to be really competitive to the end of the season, there are a lot of teams there.”
Thelin was pleased with the way his team dug deep, after Dundee had made it 2-1 and praised Keskinen for his wonder striker. Thelin admitted: “It was a nice goal, it was good for Topi to score a goal like that – it was amazing.
It was good for him to celebrate with the supporters after it too. It was pleasing how we reacted to conceding the goal. We talked after the Hibs game and the turning point was there as a team. Everyone looked at themselves in the mirror, took responsibility and know how much we have to be competitive inside games.
“We competed to the end, Dundee were good on set plays and created situations inside the box. It was nice to see we can stay in the game, do it together and get the three points.”
The manager thinks his new-look squad is now starting to gel. He stated: “When the team is working it helps the players develop as individuals.
“I am happy with what the new signings have contributed because some are coming from pre-season, others are coming from other clubs and countries. We also have Pape Gueye who has come back from a difficult injury.
“The team is starting to connect, play better and better together. I am happy with the collective and it helps players look better as individuals also.”
