Aberdeen fans have much to look forward to as Jimmy Thelin hints at the potential start of Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes in their upcoming clash against Dundee. Duk, who has been absent for a significant period and missed pre-season training, is finally set to make his return to the squad under Thelin’s management. The Cape Verde international, known for his successful contributions to the team in the past, re-joined the first team at the beginning of September, and Thelin is confident in his readiness to make an impact on the pitch once again.
Thelin expressed his thoughts on Duk’s inclusion, stating, “Duk can be back in the squad. We will travel with 21 players so maybe he will be. He was ready in his fitness levels when he came back, but it was about the adaptation to how we play now. There are some differences, and we have to give him responsibility in that role. So we’ve had to give him time so he can make a good impact when he plays.”
The manager went on to highlight Duk’s progress, mentioning, “Step by step, he’s catching up with the evolution of the team and is looking sharper in the sessions. That’s the journey he’s had to make because he’s missed a lot of sessions. But he’s been behaving well, training well, and more and more every week it’s coming.”
Thelin emphasized Duk’s strengths on the field, noting, “He runs without the ball behind the lines, he’s also a good player for set plays and target playing. His pace in one-v-one situations, he’s a strong player.”
With Duk’s potential return to the squad, Aberdeen fans can anticipate an exciting match against Dundee, with the forward likely to make a significant impact on the game.
In related news, Thelin confirmed that Aberdeen has granted assistant manager Peter Leven permission to speak with St Johnstone regarding their managerial vacancy. Leven, who impressed during his interim spell in charge of the Dons at the end of last season, has emerged as a top candidate to replace Craig Levein at McDiarmid Park.
Thelin expressed his support for Leven, stating, “He got permission to talk with them. He’s a good coach, and it’s good that our staff catch the eye. It’s up to them and to Peter, but he’s focusing on preparing for our game tomorrow.”
The manager praised Leven’s contributions to the team, saying, “Peter is helping us understand Scottish football quicker. He is full of energy, he brings a lot to the training pitch, with his Scottish background, everything about him is good for us to have inside the staff.”
While Thelin expressed his desire to retain Leven on the coaching staff, he acknowledged that ultimately, it is up to Leven to make the decision regarding his future. Thelin emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting the growth of staff members, even if it means they may move on to new opportunities.
As Aberdeen prepares for their upcoming match against Dundee, the potential inclusion of Duk and the ongoing discussions surrounding Peter Leven’s future with the club add an element of intrigue to the team’s dynamics. Fans can look forward to an exciting game and potentially significant developments in the coaching staff as Aberdeen continues their journey in the Scottish Premiership.