The Dons host Strasbourg knowing that they realistically need to win on order to keep slim qualification hopes alive.
16:35, 10 Dec 2025
View 3 Images
Aberdeen head coach Jimmy Thelin during a press conference
Jimmy Thelin has urged his Aberdeen players to “push themselves to the limits” and keep their fading Conference League hopes alive.
The Dons take on Strasbourg at Pittodrie knowing it is win or bust for their European dream.
The Ligue 1 big spenders, who are part of the same group as Chelsea, have already qualified and Thelin is looking for his Dons to get that all-important first European win on the board.
The Scottish Cup holders have just two points and realistically need to beat Strasbourg and Sparta Prague away to have any chance.
Thelin stated: "You put some pressure on yourself because it is about winning.
"The pressure is always there but you have to have the mindset that you can dream big and take the fight from there and push yourself to the limits when you play games.
“It will be an exciting game as they are a good team and have qualities.
"They have done well so far this season in Europe and the league.
"They are a dynamic team with a lot of technical qualities but I also feel we are growing when we play at home.
"The next step for us is to grow with this challenge and I think we have learned in some parts through this season in Europe. And I hope we can show that against Strasbourg.
"They are a technical, fast and explosive team.
View 3 Images
Strasbourg's players huddle up before their game against Alsace
“Tomorrow it is about winning, and we have to do our things really well and keep believing we can win.
“We have identified some strengths and weaknesses but I want to keep some secrets for tomorrow.”
Aberdeen are on an unbeaten run and in Europe have drawn their last two games against AEK Larnaca and Noah. He thinks his side have grown in the European arena.
He said: “It was clear against FCSB how we got punished in games although we played quite well.
“We were punished in some transitions.
“Athens was a really difficult game for us as we were really disconnected and wide.
“It is a challenging part of football when things go wrong to find a way out.
However after that game they adapted and were more stable.
He added: “It is not always about tactics or strategy, it is also about emotional control in games.
“We all know the level of Crystal Palace who play in the Premier League.
“But Larnaca and Strasbourg got really good results against them so that is the challenge out there.
ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Aberdeen's Nicolas Milanovic looks dejected as his shot goes into the side netting during a UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Aberdeen and FC Noah at Pittodrie Stadium, on November 27, 2025, in Aberdeen, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
View 3 Images
Nicolas Milanovic during Aberdeen's clash with Noah
"It is so important for us to be in Europe to take the challenge and try to get through. But also to learn and grow as a club.
"We want to be there every year so every experience we get we will learn from. But we also want to be competitive.
"We believe and are taking on the challenge and believing in ourselves to win at home.
"In the future, we are learning and adding things to our club and team.
"We have to get bigger and stronger all the time as a club to get competitive and grow and I think we are doing that.”
Aberdeen fans have travelled Europe without much success and Thelin would love to give them a Pittodrie victory.
Article continues below
“Let’s see if it is the last one,” the Swede insisted.
“The fans have been amazing home and away all across Europe. We will give everything we can then take it from there.”