Jimmy Thelin urges Aberdeen to stick to their principles against Celtic

Jimmy Thelin wants to see his side show their identity and use the ball well against Celtic in his toughest test so far as Aberdeen manager.

The Swede has enjoyed a dream start to life in Scotland with 13 straight wins to set up an intriguing contest with the Premiership champions, who also boast a perfect record in the league after seven matches.

Thelin knows Saturday will be a different encounter to any he has experienced yet since his summer move from Elfsborg but he still wants to see the traits that have taken his men to their lofty position.

“I think Celtic’s history and what I’ve seen so far this season, it speaks for itself,” he said.

“Football is football and (Saturday) is a game, it’s 90 minutes. We have to give everything. Everybody has to come out as the best they can but also that we can show our fans that we believe in what we are doing and stay strong in that. Then give everything we have.

“We have a clear game plan. We know what Celtic are good at and also try to find some weakness and attack them there but also how we need to defend. I think one of the main things is how good we are ourselves with the ball.”

Thelin knows he will have to adapt to the opposition but not abandon their general principles.

“The strategy for every game is different, against every opponent, but we still have to see that it’s Aberdeen that’s playing, and what we are good at, because we train every week to improve things.

“But you always have an opponent, and sometimes they maybe force you into something. But hopefully we can show our identity and hopefully that’s good enough.”

Thelin added: “Of course, they are going to test us in some areas. They are a really strong team. Every game is a test in different areas and you’re trying to be more consistent in your qualities every game, for longer times.

“Hopefully at times we can have some momentum ourselves and try to be what we are good at. I think that’s crucial to get points in these kind of games.

“And also the things we believe in because we train on it every week and try to be better every week.”