No Excuses: Aberdeen Manager Jimmy Thelin Demands Change Amid Winless Streak

Manager Jimmy Thelin has dismissed any notion that Aberdeen are making excuses for their recent poor form, insisting that no one is hiding behind explanations. Following a 2-0 defeat to Hibernian that extended their winless league streak to 14 games, the Swede emphasized that his recent hard-hitting criticisms have sparked a strong response from his players. A Call for Accountability “We have to give more,” — Jimmy Thelin Speaking after the Hibs game, Thelin stressed that while constant reminders aren’t always necessary, sometimes players inherently know when they’re not performing at their best. He continued: Self-awareness is Key: “When you’re in a difficult period, it can be challenging to break out of it. But I feel the energy is here now, and everyone is looking forward to making a change.” Immediate Improvement Needed: “It was vital to see that change in our game. We can’t continue like this—we have to improve immediately.” Looking Ahead With an upcoming Scottish Cup clash against Dunfermline Athletic on Sunday, Thelin is focused on turning the tide. Despite a league victory drought since early November, Aberdeen sit fourth in the table. However, their offensive challenges are clear—they have failed to score in their last five Premiership matches. Thelin remains optimistic about their cup run and potential league improvement: Cup Focus & League Ambitions: “We’re still in the cup and have a shot at third place, so that’s where our focus should be.” Reflection and Action: “This is our chance—let’s push forward rather than dwell on the past. We know what needs to be done, and our recent performances simply haven’t met that standard.” Strategic Reinforcements In a bid to revitalize the squad both in the short and long term, Aberdeen have made significant moves in the January transfer window. Among the new signings are: Mats Knoester – Defender from Ferencváros Oday Dabbagh – Palestinian striker from Charleroi These acquisitions bring the total number of January recruits to five. Thelin remarked: “It was a good window for us. Everyone worked incredibly hard to find the best solutions. We’re not just rebuilding for the future; we’re also adding quality to meet our immediate objectives.” Final Thoughts With renewed energy on the training pitch and strategic reinforcements bolstering the squad, Aberdeen are determined to reverse their fortunes. Manager Jimmy Thelin’s firm stance on accountability and his commitment to immediate change underscore the club’s resolve to end their winless streak and return to winning ways.

Dundee United Demands VAR Overhaul, Pulls Out of Key Incident Review

Dundee United has recently taken a strong stance on VAR practices, arguing that the system’s application is marred by inconsistent rule interpretations. In a significant move, the club announced its decision to withdraw from the Scottish FA’s Key Match Incident (KMI) panel, expressing deep concerns about the panel’s intended purpose and overall impact. Background on the Review Panel The Scottish FA launched the KMI panel in September of last year as a five-member group comprised of club representatives, ex-referees, former players, and coaches. The panel is tasked with examining critical incidents from the previous week’s SPFL Premiership games and other competitions where VAR is in use. Its role is to assess and vote on whether both the on-field decisions and any VAR interventions were correct. A Catalyst for Change Dundee United’s decision comes on the heels of a controversial 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock. In that match, Marley Watkins’ goal – which clinched the win for Kilmarnock – was allowed to stand after a VAR check, despite significant questions regarding its legitimacy. This incident appears to have been the tipping point for United. In an official statement, the club explained: “Dundee United FC has formally notified the Scottish FA that we are withdrawing our representation from the KMI panel. This decision is the result of extensive discussions throughout the season with the Refereeing Department. We have raised serious concerns about the panel’s purpose, effectiveness, and overall impact on the game. We feel that the panel’s outcomes are not aligned with the feedback provided to the Scottish FA.” The statement went on to criticise instances where on-field decisions, once validated by both VAR and the Refereeing Department, were later contradicted by the panel. According to Dundee United, many of the panel members lack sufficient expertise in the laws of the game, which has contributed to what the club sees as a flawed review process. Media and External Pressures The club also highlighted how some of the panel’s decisions have been magnified by media reports, adding undue pressure on match officials. This, they argue, could have repercussions for future refereeing decisions and undermine the confidence in the system. Broader Implications for VAR Beyond the immediate concerns with the KMI panel, Dundee United has called for a comprehensive review of VAR practices in Scottish football. The club noted that inconsistent interpretations of the laws of the game by VAR have frustrated several Premiership clubs. In their view, while errors are an unavoidable part of football, the heightened scrutiny brought about by VAR has made refereeing decisions a highly public issue. “We are committed to ensuring that our club is treated fairly at all times. At the same time, we want to contribute to a broader improvement in Scottish football. We are reaching out to both the Scottish FA and the SPFL to advocate for a more robust VAR protocol and review process. This is essential for protecting our match officials and preserving the integrity of the game.” Additional Reactions In a related development, St Mirren recently voiced its displeasure following a VAR decision that denied them a penalty in a match against St Johnstone. The club’s statement underlined their ongoing concerns with recent officiating errors, calling on the Scottish FA to address these issues promptly. Participation in the KMI panel is voluntary for clubs, with an external expert advising the panel on the laws of the game. Despite these measures, Dundee United’s recent actions underline the growing discontent within Scottish football regarding the current VAR framework. The Scottish FA is reportedly exploring further enhancements to the VAR system, as it has been actively evolving the protocol since its introduction in October 2022. Sky Sports News has reached out to the Scottish FA for further comment on the matter.

Celtic Overwhelm Dundee with a 6-0 Home Triumph

In a commanding display at Celtic Park, the Hoops restored their 13-point cushion atop the Scottish Premiership standings by thrashing Dundee 6-0. Although Celtic’s first half was cautious, the team quickly surged into the lead with two early goals that set the tone for the remainder of the match. First Half Breakdown Penalty Success: Arne Engel converted a penalty, giving Celtic an early advantage. Adam Idah’s Strike: Just before halftime, Idah added a crucial goal to double the lead. Jota, returning after his stint at Rennes and fresh off his goal against Motherwell, impressed by showcasing his renewed energy and purpose on the pitch. Second Half Highlights Daizen Maeda’s Brilliance: A precise cross from Jota found Maeda, who made no mistake by scoring his first of the night. In a swift counter, Maeda extended his tally by lifting a shot over Dundee goalkeeper Trevor Carson, marking his second goal within three minutes of the restart. Long-Range Magic: Two impressive strikes from Engels and substitute Nicolas Kuhn sealed the victory. These additional goals allowed midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp to comfortably ease into his debut appearance as the game became a formality. Post-Match Reactions Brendan Rodgers (Celtic Manager) said: “From the first minute, our players showed incredible determination. The energy on the field was superb and our system worked flawlessly. Our attacking play, particularly the goals, was simply brilliant. The hunger we witnessed today is exactly what we need.” Rodgers also praised Daizen Maeda’s finish as his pick for the goal of the match, highlighting the inevitability of his strike and the helplessness of Dundee’s keeper in stopping it. On Team Dynamics: “While we originally sought a dedicated striker, tonight demonstrated the depth in our attacking options. With two wingers contributing significantly, it’s clear we have a diverse and motivated group.” Celtic’s Arne Engels added: “I’m always ready to support the team, but tonight was truly special. Every player stepped up—both in creating and defending—and even in the final moments, our commitment to score never wavered.” Adam Idah reflected: “I’m really enjoying the run of form we’re on. Even if I wasn’t at my best, the team’s overall performance made it easier to contribute. It’s fantastic to be part of such a collective effort where everyone is eager to perform.” Dundee’s Perspective Manager Tony Docherty was less than pleased, reflecting on missed opportunities and defensive lapses: “After reviewing the penalty, I feel the call was fair since no one from Celtic appealed for it. Our performance was marred by poor decision-making and an inability to protect our goal. We conceded too many soft goals, and that is something we need to address quickly.” Looking Ahead Dundee now face the challenge of bouncing back after consecutive heavy defeats, with the Scottish Cup clash against Airdrieonians looming on Saturday. Meanwhile, Celtic continue to dominate the league, bolstered by their relentless attacking play and solid team spirit.