Jimmy Thelin admits that a first brush with VAR in Scotland may see him shed his chilled demeanour.
The new Aberdeen boss has so far been spared the dramas of technology overseeing domestic action because Sweden snubbed the chance to use the system.
Elfsborg’s top flight games under Thelin were fully in the hands of the man in the middle - something many Scottish fans, players and managers are pining for following 20 months of VAR.
Indeed, Aberdeen called out Scotland’s version of VAR as “not suitable for purpose” after a gaffe at Livingston in April.
As the technology and its implementation lost its way frequently through the first full season in Premiership operation, a host of clubs made complaints and Motherwell called for it to be scrapped.
When asked if he was looking forward to seeing VAR in operation, Thelin, 46, replied: “Maybe, let’s see!
“I’m quite cool with the referees usually, but maybe I will get crazy – I don’t know. I have a lot of respect for referees. To be out there and making decisions is not easy.
“So I have to respect the rules. I wouldn’t swap with referees, as I think it is a really difficult job.
“I respect them and I have to show that also. I can’t just say it and not show it. But I also have to be focused on the game. If I’m going too far, I’m losing focus totally so I try to be calm in these situations.
“The clubs in Sweden are 51 per cent for the fans. They are the decision-makers in one way. There is a really strong culture about that. They voted that you can’t put VAR in.
“They want a fluid game, with passion and offside. And, for now, it is going to be like that. There are some talks in other countries that they want to take it out, so let’s see in the future.
“I don’t put so much energy into that as I have to put focus on the right thing - my priorities. And that priority is now Aberdeen, the players, how we’re going to play and train.”
Thelin’s squad already features three new faces - goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, Nigerian striker Peter Ambrose and centre half Gavin Molloy who joined from Shelbourne.
A strong ex-St Johnstone alliance is formed as Bulgarian international Mitov will work once again with his coach from Perth, Craig Hinchcliffe, who has replaced Craig Samson at Pittodrie.
Thelin said: “It’s a good connection that they know each other already, Craig and Dimitar.
“For me to get the best out of the player as quickly as possible, it’s good that the coach is there.
“Craig is also a really good coach. Dimitar is a goalkeeper who is keen to help the centre-backs and the backline on set-plays and crosses.
“To take down some challenges for them is one of the profiles we were searching for.
“Dimitar also has natural leadership skills. We already saw that on the first day, how he takes care of the boys and communicates with the players. He’s a good guy.”
Ambrose, 22, was snapped up for an undisclosed fee from Hungarian side Ujpest.
The striker played in Turkey before moving to Budapest and is tipped to make a swift impact.
“Peter is a really good deep runner, is really, really quick with his first steps and change of direction,” explained Thelin.
“But, still, he is good enough with link play which I think will be needed for us.
“The thing he has to adapt to, for what we want to achieve, is the intensity in pressing. He has the body and mentality for that. I think Peter will do really, really well and get into the team.”
Irish defender Molloy, also 22, was the first capture of Thelin’s reign after Aberdeen triggered the release clause on his Shelbourne deal.
Thelin enthused: “Gavin is a young centre-back who can move really quick on the ground and use his body in a good way.
“He is tall enough; not the biggest one but his power in headers is strong and his build-up play is also really good.
“Gavin is calm on the ball with no stress. It’s a mix we are going to need in the future so I think he will give us good things.”
