As Aberdeen prepares for their UEFA Conference League clash against Sparta Prague, manager Jimmy Thelin aims to field “the best team available.” Although this match holds no significance for Advancement in the tournament, the Scottish club seeks to finish the stage with pride.
Match Context
Thelin’s side faced a setback with a 1-0 defeat to Strasbourg, effectively ending their chances of advancing. Ranked 33rd among 36 teams in the competition, Aberdeen has only two points from five matches. Their results include a draw against AEK Larnaca and another against Armenia’s Noah, punctuated by losses to Shakhtar Donetsk and AEK Athens.
Aberdeen’s Performance
Aberdeen’s participation in the Conference League has been challenging. They managed two draws but struggled against some of the best clubs in the competition.
- Draws:
- vs. AEK Larnaca (Away)
- vs. Noah (Home)
- Losses:
- vs. Shakhtar Donetsk (Home)
- vs. AEK Athens (Away)
- vs. Strasbourg (Home)
Opportunity for Growth
Despite the lack of a tangible goal for this match, Thelin remains focused on development. He believes it provides a chance for players to showcase their skills and adapt to the rigors of competing more frequently.
“Players want to grow and prove themselves. This is a good opportunity for us,” Thelin stated. His team faces a formidable Sparta Prague, who currently sit sixth in the tournament standings. A victory for them would ensure direct advancement to the round of 16, circumventing the knockout phase play-offs.
Heading into the match, Thelin remains optimistic about his team’s potential for improvement as they continue to learn from their European experiences. “We have progressed since the play-offs,” he noted. “This game is essential for demonstrating our growth.” The challenge against Sparta Prague represents a crucial moment for Aberdeen to not only seek a win but also to validate their development throughout the tournament.
