Aberdeen FC is gearing up for a pivotal moment as they face Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup this Sunday. Manager Jimmy Thelin, addressing recent criticisms, emphasized that there are no excuses for the team's current performance, stating, "No-one is hiding or trying to find excuses". This follows a challenging stretch that has seen the club only manage four points out of a possible 42 in the league, marking a disappointing 14-match winless run.

In his post-match comments after the 2-0 defeat to Hibernian, Thelin reflected on the necessity for players to step up their game. He noted, "If you have a good relationship, it is essential to communicate strong messages when necessary." Thelin believes that players are acutely aware of their underperformance, and it’s important for the squad to maintain a forward-looking attitude even amidst adversity.

Thelin expressed optimism about the recent training sessions, highlighting the increased intensity and competition among squad members, which he sees as a positive sign. "The response from the players this week was really strong... we can't keep going like this; we must change quickly," he added, indicating that the squad is supportive of one another in rediscovering their form.

Despite their struggles, Aberdeen remains positioned fourth in the league, but they have not scored in their last five Premiership matches. Looking ahead, Thelin stated, "We are still in the cup and we can still catch third place, so that should be our focus." He is encouraging the team to embrace the challenges and strive for improvement.

In a bid to bolster the squad, Aberdeen made strategic moves during the January transfer window, signing defender Mats Knoester from Ferencvaros and Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh from Charleroi, rounding out their five new signings for the month. Thelin described this transfer window as productive, stating, "It was a good window for us... we are trying to rebuild a little bit for the future while also adding quality for short-term objectives."

As the team prepares to face Dunfermline, the focus remains on revitalizing their fortunes and demonstrating resilience on the pitch.