Jimmy Thelin commended his side on their hard work and self-sacrifice as they ended Hearts unbeaten run with a 1-0 win at Pittodrie today.
“We are a hard-working team and a team full of good characters. We had a tough start of the season and a lot of new players. We changed the system and the players are adapting.
“Hearts is a good team. It was a good game today. It was really intense. It was back and forth. Some moments were like transition against transition. They started the game well. I think we ended the first half really well.
“Then in the second half, they got momentum from the beginning with set plays and throws and crosses on the box. That’s the thing I think the team has grown in, that we can find different ways of winning and don’t get so open and stressed when the opponent has momentum. You can’t control the whole game. I think that’s the biggest journey the players have done.
“In the last six games, I think it’s four wins, one draw and one loss. In a difficult situation, the players showed a lot of good team spirit. They talk about responsibility and accountability as a team and as an individual. That’s why they always get what they deserve. You always have to start with the individual responsibility to create a good collective team.
“A lot of players have grown in this context. If you can stay focused under a lot of pressure, as the players have been, and still focus and have this belief, you can always grow stronger. I’m happy for the players, because I know how much hard work they put in.
“Adil today did a really good game in a different role. Mats was really good again. Topi has played a lot before, but he hasn’t played so much in the last games. Instead of complaining, he works so hard in the sessions. When the time is there, he showed today that he wants to play. He was very good today. Not even the goal, how he defended, how he sacrificed himself for the team, and working for something bigger than himself. That’s why you have to be on some collective and individual journey sometimes to grow as a player.
“Jack hasn’t played so many games in his career at this level. He’s growing and he’s learning and he’s improving. He also takes care of himself because there are a lot of games. He’s building this consistency. That’s also how he takes care of himself before and after the training sessions.
“We have, I think, 11 more games now in these six weeks. It’s a lot of games. Everybody is going to be important, but they also have to be ready. That’s why I’m happy how they manage themselves. It’s not easy for a player. Everybody wants to play every game. It’s not easy to be on the bench or even outside the squad, but when the moment is there, they have to be ready.
“It’s still early in the season, actually. We have a lot of big games in front of us now. Now the thing is to be consistent. But I’m happy for the last six games, how they work from a difficult situation.”
Jesper Karlsson missed the fixture but the manager explained he would be back in time for Thursday’s game with FC Noah.
“Jesper went back to Sweden just for a few days for some family matters there that are important. He will come back ahead of the European game on Thursday.”
There was a final word from Jimmy for the Red Army who stuck with their side through pouring rain throughout the game.
“Our fans have been through amazing times and hard times, but they’ve always been there. There’s a lot of emotions, but they’re always there. That’s why you need to share this and see the feelings there was today and how much it means for everyone. I think they will be there on Thursday again. I hope we can use this important game to give us a chance to go forward in Europe.”
