Jimmy Thelin keeps focus on long-term goals for Aberdeen

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin stressed that nothing would change for his side in the wake of the defeat that saw Celtic strengthen their grip on the Premiership title.

Reo Hatate’s late winner at Pittodrie on Wednesday moved the champions seven points clear of the Dons with a game in hand.

Optimism over a tilt at the title had emerged among the Pittodrie faithful after the Dons matched Celtic in the first 11 games of the season, but two points from the last four matches has seen reality set in.

However, Thelin remains focused on his long-term vision for the team.

“I always think we have to have a strong belief in what we’re doing and stay optimistic,” he said. “It’s not over until it’s over.

“The season is our target, and we try to grow. Nothing has really changed for us – it’s still a long-term journey, and we take it game by game.

“We’ll know where we stand in May, but we always push 100 per cent for each game, be ready and try and always be better.”

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s visit of St Johnstone, the Swede added: “It’s important to remember that there are no easy games in this league. It’s a very competitive league with different styles and different identities. You always have to be ready to go out again and compete.

“It is about being competitive and not thinking If you lose a game, you can’t feel sad, you need to look for the next game as games come quickly.

“You can’t stay in the past, you have to focus on the next challenge and the three points that we need to fight for.”