As Aberdeen continue their search for a new manager, PLZ Soccer takes a look at the current favourite to take over the Pittodrie hotseat – Jimmy Thelin.
Who is Jimmy Thelin?
The Swede was previously interviewed for the role last season, prior to Barry Robson landing the job on a permanent basis.
Thelin and Elfsborg went on to dramatically lose out on the Swedish top division title, as his side finished behind champions Malmo on goal difference.
Last season he was named Allsvenskan Coach of the Year, after finishing second with the youngest side in the league.
Thelin’s contract expires in December 2025, but he has been linked with numerous clubs, including Swansea and Sunderland.
What has his career looked like so far?
The 46-year-old started his coaching career in 2014, where he took charge of Jönköpings Södra IF. Before gaining promotion to the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s top tier, for the first time in forty-six years.
Thelin then moved to Elfsborg in 2018, where he steadily improved a young side year on year, despite player upheaval and constant turnover.
During his time with Elfsborg, Thelin has finished runners up to Malmo twice, finishing four points behind top spot in his third season in 2021, before the heartache of losing out on goal difference.
What is his style of play?
During his time as a manager, Thelin has adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, playing a high line.
He is a manager who appears to like his sides to be direct and move the ball up the park quickly. Elfsborg led the Swedish league for long passes per game, with an average of 75 every 90 minutes.
However, the long passing style is not to be confused with the stereotypical ‘long ball’. His sides stats show their ability to execute these passes at the right time, cutting the opposition open quickly and effectively.
Elfsborg’s ability to press high has been very clear during his tenure, with their attacks beginning at an average of 44.2 meters from their goal.
Elfsborg also ranked 2nd for ball recoveries in the opposition half last season, behind Malmo, but Thelin’s side converted more of these into shots.
In a situation where this high press fails, Elfsborg have been noted to drop into a more compact 4-4-2, with a mid-block that stops the opposition exploiting space in behind.
Does a summer move look more likely?
If Jimmy Thelin was to become the next man to step into the Pittodrie dugout, the Aberdeen faithful can expect high tempo football.
However it is expected that any move may have to wait until the end of the current season, to give Elfsborg more time to find a replacement.
Current interim Aberdeen manager, Peter Leven, has previously stated that he is there whenever the club need him, even if the Pittodrie board have to wait until the summer to land their man.
