Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has reminded onlookers that we are only six games into the Scottish Premiership season after fans and pundits began to discuss the prospect of his side challenging for the league title.
Nobody other than Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers have won the top-flight since Aberdeen managed such success under Alex Ferguson in 1984-85.
Thelin's men have got off to a perfect start this time around, winning every match and are sitting comfortably with Celtic at the top of the table.
Prominent pundits like Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have all claimed how refreshing an Aberdeen title challenge would be for Scottish football.
However, in his usual "humble" and "game by game" demeanour, the Swedish coach isn't getting ahead of himself - despite the Dons being the only team in the top-50 European leagues ranked by UEFA to have a 100 per cent record in all competitions at this stage of the 2024/25 campaign.
“Of course we are happy with that, but you can’t go around thinking about it," the Aberdeen boss remarked ahead of this weekend's match against Heart of Midlothian.
“To have those wins in a row is good, but it is still only the next game that counts.
“It is a new game coming up and some games have been really, really close where we won in the last minute. You have to stay humble and keep working.
“We are still so early in the season. Our job is to focus on here.
“I can understand why there is some discussion, but we have 32 games left in the league. It is a lot of points, it is very early.
“Our focus is on taking points in the next game and not what is happening in May.”
Read more:
- Aberdeen captain knows 'focus' is required to maintain winning run
- Aberdeen can do the impossible and win Scottish Premiership title
There's a feel good factor around the north-east, which is understandable given the teams incredible form.
And Thelin is relishing having a fired-up Red Army help his side extend their winning run.
He said: “It’s really important having a full Pittodrie on Sunday. It says so much about the atmosphere, not only at Pittodrie but in the city, the feelings around the football club and the city, and the togetherness.
“The players are excited and so are the supporters, so hopefully, we can show that on the pitch.
“For me, it’s like you always have to grow as a club to be competitive in the long term.
“You have to add more things. Every department has to be the best, and it’s not only the football team.
“It’s everything together with the power of the football club. It is long term, not only one season or some moments. We have to keep growing and do it together.”
