Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin believes his side has become "more connected" and "stable" as they prepare to host Rangers at Pittodrie this weekend in a crucial Scottish Premiership fixture.
After enduring a difficult mid-season slump that saw them go a club-record 14 league matches without a win, Aberdeen have rediscovered their early-season form, suffering just one defeat in their last nine matches across all competitions. This resurgence has reignited their push for a third-place finish in the Premiership.
The Dons started the campaign in impressive fashion, embarking on an unbeaten run that included a memorable 2-1 victory over Rangers at Pittodrie in late October. That early momentum faded during a challenging winter period, but recent performances suggest Thelin's men are back on track at a crucial stage of the season.
"I think we always take it game by game. But I think the team has grown, the players have grown so we are more connected now and more stable in the games," Thelin told Sky Sports ahead of Sunday's televised encounter.
"We can manage different kind of games also really well. But it's always game by game, and try to be better every day in the training sessions."
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The Swedish boss has been particularly impressed with the development of winger Shayden Morris and on-loan striker Kevin Nisbet, both of whom have been instrumental in Aberdeen's recent upturn in results.
"I think we have [players who can hurt Rangers] and I think that's also how the players you mention now have grown as players, also in the way they defend and help the team to win, not only scoring goals and assists," Thelin explained.
"Again, everybody is more connected. We defend better as a collective and also better in attacking."
The Glasgow side will arrive at Pittodrie just three days after their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Athletic Club, potentially giving Aberdeen an advantage in terms of freshness.
Thelin has noticed changes in Rangers' approach under Ferguson's stewardship: "I think they have changed a little bit. Maybe more counter attacking, a different way in the block and also how they defend. They have made small changes of course. We have to be ready."
Despite the challenges of facing a European quarter-finalist, Thelin remains focused on his own team's preparation: "They have done well in Europe also, so it's going to be a tough game but we have a clear plan in what we have to do on Sunday but it's also about what we are good at and trying to bring the best out of ourselves."
The Aberdeen manager also highlighted the positive atmosphere building around the north-east club as they enter the final stretch of the season.
"I think the spirit around the city is really high and everybody is excited in the right way but are also really focused on the right things," he noted.
A win on Sunday would not only boost Aberdeen's chances of securing third place but would also complete a rare home league double over Rangers this season, further endearing Thelin to the Pittodrie faithful in his first season in charge since arriving from Elfsborg.
