Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin announced plans to conduct individual discussions with every player during their Portugal training camp to enhance their effectiveness.
Thelin is leading the team through rigorous double training sessions daily in the scorching 30-degree Celsius heat of the Algarve. Despite the demanding schedule, he is prioritizing personal interactions off the field to connect with each player individually.
The time in Portugal serves a dual purpose: evaluating players’ strengths and tactical understanding. Thelin and his coaching team aim to carefully assess the squad to optimize their roles and contributions.
Furthermore, Thelin intends to create personalized development plans for each player during their stay in the Algarve, aiming to foster their growth and potential.
He explained, “When there are changes in staff and players, it’s beneficial to go away early. It gives us the opportunity to connect with the players and have meaningful conversations with them. Understanding their personalities is crucial so that we can determine how to facilitate their development and observe their responses.”
“We’re spending considerable time together, and the training sessions are demanding. This setting also allows us to assess the players’ abilities on the field and their tactical understanding.”
“Once we grasp these aspects, we can then deploy the players in the most effective manner.”
Aberdeen are currently in Portugal for a week-long training camp before returning to their home base in the Granite City over the weekend.
Jimmy Thelin has prior experience using the training facilities in the Algarve during his time with former club Elfsborg.
Fans of Aberdeen will have their first chance to see Thelin managing from the dugout in a friendly match against Peterhead on Wednesday, July 10.
The competitive season kicks off on Saturday, July 13, with a Premier Sports Cup group stage match away at Queen of the South.
Thelin explained, “While in Portugal, we have the opportunity to understand the players as individuals. They are not just football players; they are human beings.”
“And when you establish these connections, you can push each other more effectively and manage everything better. It’s a great way to build team spirit. When there’s team spirit, there’s increased power and intensity in every aspect. This becomes the foundation, upon which tactics, organization, and the players’ skills can flourish. With this strong base, success follows.”
Thelin noted, “The players are really pushing themselves.” However, he is currently without two of his players in Portugal: strikers Duk and Peter Ambrose.
Duk, a Cape Verde international, missed the first week of pre-season in Aberdeen because he was on international duty over the summer. He was granted an additional week off but cannot join the team in Portugal due to a medical issue. Aberdeen’s medical staff are staying in close communication with him.
Meanwhile, Peter Ambrose, recently signed from Ujpest in Hungary, faced visa issues that prevented him from traveling with the team. Instead, he is training at Cormack Park in Aberdeen under the guidance of coach Scott Anderson alongside the under-18 squad.
Thelin commented, “At home, our schedule revolves around breakfast, training, and lunch, but here in Portugal, we have additional time. It’s also less stressful.”
“You can train very intensely, but the players recover quickly because we have ample time for rest. Here in Portugal, they are focused on performing and bonding as a team. It’s a productive and positive time for us. It’s crucial for the players to spend time together as well. Despite the hot weather, the players are really pushing themselves.”
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