Jimmy Thelin says Europa League is the target for Aberdeen

Jimmy Thelin insisted Aberdeen have no interest in relying on a Conference League “safety net” as they focus fully on overcoming Romanian champions FCSB to reach the main phase of the Europa League.

The Dons earned the chance to go straight into the play-off round for Europe’s second-tier competition as reward for winning last season’s Scottish Cup.

If they lose to their Bucharest-based opponents over the next two Thursdays, Thelin’s side will have the consolation of parachuting into the Conference League.

“I think always when you compete you want to be in the best level you can be, so our target is Europa League and that’s what we focus on,” said Thelin. “We don’t think about safety nets or this kind of thing, it’s like you always want to be in the highest competition and prepare yourself for that.”

Both sides have had difficult starts to their domestic campaigns, with Aberdeen losing their opening two William Hill Premiership matches and FCSB – formerly Steaua Bucharest – winning only one of their first six matches.

The Romanians also dropped out of the Champions League after losing their qualifier against Shkendija earlier this month.

Thelin is relishing his first taste of European football since taking charge at Pittodrie last summer.

“I know I haven’t played any play-offs here before, but with not many tickets left and this being a European night, it’s going to be really exciting to get into this game,” he said.

“The connection and the atmosphere the supporters and the fans have created during all my time I’ve been here, I know how much it can lift the players but also the players have to send their energy to the supporters.

“I think this connection is so, so important and that can make a difference.

“We’re just waiting for the kick-off right now, we’re done with all preparations and looking forward to the game.

“FCSB have some experience, they have some players with good qualities and a good coach. It will be like a cup game, we know the only way to get through is to win this round, and that’s our focus.”

Thelin revealed that winger Shayden Morris is a doubt after suffering a knock but defender Mats Knoester returns after missing the last two games through injury.

New signings Marko Lazetic and Kenan Bilalovic are both clear to be involved in the squad but Thelin intends to tread carefully with Serbian forward Lazetic in particular after he completed his move from AC Milan this week.

“I think Lazetic maybe needs some weeks to get fully ready to compete, so we don’t do anything stupid there because he just arrived and maybe needs some more training with the team before he’s ready to compete, so we don’t get some problems in the future,” said Thelin.

“He looks good, but we need to wait maybe one or two weeks.”