Aberdeen Faces Pressure After Defeat to Motherwell
Aberdeen currently sits at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, having garnered just one point from six matches. The team has not scored a single league goal in 674 minutes of play this season and has not won a league game in their last ten outings, dating back to last season.
Aberdeen's only victory this campaign came against second-tier Greenock Morton in the Premier Sports Cup, with five defeats in the seven league games since.
Given these circumstances, the pressure on manager Jimmy Thelin from the club's supporters is intensifying.
It seemed that Aberdeen might secure a point at Fir Park until a critical goalkeeping blunder and a penalty, both occurring in stoppage time, allowed Motherwell to claim their first league win of the season on Saturday.
This latest defeat raises questions about Thelin's standing among pundits, fans, and himself.
Miller and Thelin See Positive Signs
Former Aberdeen captain and manager Willie Miller sought to highlight the positives. "I’m sure Jimmy Thelin is aware that Aberdeen fans are disappointed with the result, but the performance was significantly improved," he stated on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.
"Aberdeen created several chances in the first half but failed to convert. Overall, aside from the two late goals conceded, it was a fairly even match. If this type of performance had occurred earlier this season, there would be hope for a turnaround. It’s a cruel outcome for Aberdeen."
Thelin acknowledged that his team had not performed well enough to earn results in previous matches. "However, today’s performance was much better. The energy was evident, and the players were engaged in duels," he remarked to BBC Scotland. "I hope the fans can reconnect with the team. We created good chances at both the beginning and end of the game, but we need to find that crucial final pass to score."
He also expressed disbelief at the team's inability to score, given the opportunities they have had this season. "Sometimes luck is required to break out of this rut, and today we lacked that luck," he said. "It can be challenging to remain positive during such a run, but we must believe and build on this performance going forward."
Little Fan Faith in Thelin - or Cormack
Despite Thelin's assertion that it is still early in the season and that the team can quickly catch up to those above them with a few wins, it appears that the goodwill he earned from winning the Scottish Cup last season has evaporated. Fans are also directing their frustrations towards chairman Dave Cormack.
Paul: "I believe we’ve hit rock bottom." Jimmy Thelin after the defeat by Dundee United. What’s next, Jimmy?
Stewart: "Thelin needs to go, along with Dave Cormack."
Boris: "If Thelin is still in charge on Monday, it suggests Cormack is resigned to competing in the Championship, as five wins in 33 games reflect a team heading for relegation."
Kevin: "The issue isn’t with the manager. Look at the records of those Cormack has sacked and what they have achieved since."
Stuart: "Better from Aberdeen, but still not good enough."
George: "Thelin, it’s time to go, and take Cormack with you. Managers have been dismissed for less."
Scott: "Aberdeen squandered a chance to win. Just shoot, and then a dreadful goal to concede. While it’s done, I’m not sure the penalty decision by the ref and VAR was correct."
Martin: "For a team like Aberdeen to be at the bottom of the league without any goals is alarming. I think it’s time for the manager to go."
Davy: "Goodbye, Jimmy. Thank you for the Scottish Cup memories. We need someone to prepare us for the relegation battle we are clearly facing."