The fact it’s taken the best part of four months to get an insight into how Jimmy Thelin responds to a setback tells you all you need to know about how well things have gone at Aberdeen so far.
After all, until now, his views on the subject haven’t been required.
Last week’s 6-0 Premier Sports Cup semi-final thumping at the hands of Celtic ended a record-breaking 16-match unbeaten run for the Swede.
It was a painful one, of that there is no doubt. But it’ll take far more than a battering by the same side who dismantled the second-best team in Germany three days later to shatter Thelin’s icy exterior.
Or his confidence in his squad for that matter.
Jimmy Thelin is looking forward to this weekend’s Premiership clash against Dundee
And it’s exactly why he’ll expect his players to do what they’ve been doing all season — one ‘blip’ aside — as they take to the field against Dundee this evening.
It was always a little harsh to suggest that the Dons’ impressive start to the campaign was simply down to an absence of any sort of formidable test.
Early wins over the likes of St Johnstone, St Mirren and Kilmarnock weren’t heralded as any great accomplishment.
Bizarre, really, considering how much of a struggle it had been for Aberdeen to take care of those sides in recent years.
But even if those victories were — to a certain extent — unsurprising, the Dons more than showed their mettle when it came to tackling both halves of the Old Firm.
His side will look to bounce back after suffering a 6-0 defeat to Celtic at Hampden last week
It was the first time the Aberdeen manager had tasted defeat since arriving at Pittodrie in June
A fine comeback to take a share of the spoils at Celtic Park was shortly followed up with a richly-deserved triumph over Rangers.
A nine-point gap was opened up over Philippe Clement’s side as a result.
Aberdeen’s character and quality has already been questioned on multiple occasions this season, but they’ve passed every examination with flying colours.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how some of their star performers react to getting back on track this weekend, none more so than Nicky Devlin.
The full-back has been one of this season’s surprise packages, his form earning him a first cap for the national side against Portugal last month.
Coming off the bench, the ex-Livingston man provided a vital late block to deny AC Milan star Rafael Leao and secure a morale-boosting point.
Nicky Devlin was delighted to pick up the October player of the month award
It was a double celebration for the club as Thelin earned his second award of the campaign
His most recent experience at the national stadium, however, was one he’ll want to forget. Teased and tormented by Daizen Maeda, he was left begging for the full-time whistle. Not that he was the only one, mind you.
He at least heads into this weekend’s contest on a high having been named as the Premiership player of the month for October.
There was some good news for Thelin, too, as he picked up the manager’s prize for the second time.
The pair’s recognition is just rewards for the important role they’ve played in Aberdeen’s transformation this season.
Scotland snub all part of the journey for Miller
Lennon Miller became the youngest player to captain Motherwell against Rangers last week
Lennon Miller became Motherwell’s youngest-ever captain when he led them onto the field in last weekend’s cup semi-final defeat against Rangers.
The 18-year-old was handed the armband by boss Stuart Kettlewell, who showed no hesitation in putting his trust in the youngster.
His performance vindicated that decision, enhancing his fast-growing reputation as one of Scotland’s biggest talents.
It’s just a shame we’ll have to wait a little longer to see him get an opportunity in dark blue.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke opted not to select the 18-year-old for his latest squad
National team manager Steve Clarke was in the stands last Sunday but, despite speaking of his admiration for what Lennon is doing at club level, he opted to leave him out of his squad for the upcoming Nations League double-header against Croatia and Poland.
Already a regular for the Under-19s, many of the Tartan Army had hoped to see him get a taste of the big time this month.
Clarke can’t pick players based on their popularity, but this did seem like a perfect chance to see what the kid can do alongside the country’s main men.
McCabe suddenly feeling the heat with Diamonds
Airdrieonians player-manager Rhys McCabe takes his side to high-flying Falkirk this weekend
Airdrieonians player-manager Rhys McCabe must be wondering how it’s all gone so badly wrong.
The 31-year-old has taken the Lanarkshire club from strength to strength since being appointed two and a half years ago, bringing them up to the Championship for the first time in a decade, before following that up with a fourth-placed finish in the second tier.
Throw in a historic SPFL Trust Trophy triumph over The New Saints, and it’s been a terrific spectacular start to life in the dugout.
Just six months after signing a contract extension at the Diamonds, however, he is under significant pressure for the first time and a trip to high-flying Falkirk looks daunting for a side rooted to the bottom of the table.