Jimmy Thelin carried out his pre-match media duties on Friday lunchtime when he spoke to the media ahead of our William Hill Premiership match with Hibernian.

RedTV subscribers can watch the press conference in full now or read a summary of what the manager had to say below.

Team News

“Kristers Tobers is making progress and next week is going to be more integrated in training, but he is still not ready. Ester Sokler will be out for the rest of the season. He picked up an injury in training and unfortunately it’s going to be a bit longer term, but he will be fine for pre-season.

“It’s tough (with Ester only just returning from injury). That’s why I always feel for the players when they train so hard and he’s coming back, and then he has got another setback. It’s so emotional for the players but he’s got good support and he’s a good character, so he is going to be fine.

“Sivert will be be here next week and go to an assessment. After that we will know the exact timeline.”

Transfer Speculation

“The focus is on the games we have now (when asked about speculation surrounding Nicolas Milanovic). When we have something to say, we will say it but right now, nothing. I don’t want to comment on other teams players.”

Race for third

“There is three points difference. Everybody knows the importance of the game. We’re looking forward to playing at home. It’s quite an exciting part of the season right now. They have done really well, but still it’s just three points difference. We’re also in a good run now, and I think the supporters and the fans and the players, we are ready to to play a good performance tomorrow and try to get the three points.

“I think about how the season has been and the challenging parts but also we can’t forget the good start either and now the last part of the season, we have been quite good and the performances are more stable again. So that’s why we put us in this position that we are still there and can compete for it. All the games that are left are really important for us. Tomorrow we play against Hibernian who are three points ahead and we will try to win this game. Even if we win we have some more games to play. Tomorrow is really important to win.”

The threat of Hibs

“I think they are really clear with what they want to do. They have a clear directness inside the game, a lot of runs, and they’re good at what they’re doing. That’s what we have prepared for and also, doing better than the last games against them.

“Of course our own attacking is important also, how we attack attack them. I think that’s the main part for tomorrow, how we’re going to approach the game and how we come out to the game at home at Pittodrie. I think it’s going to be a really intense game, a fast game, how both teams are playing but, hopefully, we can do the the best performance and try to win the game.”

Reaching the Scottish Cup Final

“I think we now have to put the final a little bit aside, and wait for that one, and focus on the league games. It’s another opponent. It’s another important game. The thing we have worked on the whole season is to focus on the things that are right in front of you right now and put all of your energy in there.”

Learnings from Hampden

“When you are 11 versus 10, everybody expects and usually, you should win. When teams go to a really, really low block, the spaces disappear, and it’s difficult for every team in the world. Sometimes to score and find a scoring chance because there’s so many players into the box, and they defend with everything they have. That’s what the part of the Hearts game, that we don’t invite too many transitions. We didn’t stress it. We were quite, consistent in our part. Even before the goal, Shinnie and Dabbagh created a good chance and we almost got a re-bound there. I think we learn a lot of things from the Rangers game and don’t stress it so much and expose us for these transitions that hurt us in the Rangers game. I think it was an improvement. Sometimes also they defend well and the goal goalkeeper is good. The chances were there and finally we scored a goal.”

Using the squad

“We always have to look at the players where they are right now in their form, but also for the opponent, what we think we need. The good thing is in the last part of the season, a lot of players are coming back from quite long term injuries, and it will be important now, especially this part. In the last week, we have three games in one week, and we’re going to need everyone. We see the intensity in training. We can keep it high now because everybody’s is fresh. Let’s see who’s going to start and end the game, but everybody is going to have an important role to play.”

Support of the Red Army

“From day one, this year, this season, in good times, in challenging times, away games, home games, the supporters have been super good, and that’s helped us into winning late goals and done good things for us this season. I think it’s going to keep working that way. It’s going to be super important tomorrow.”

Dante Polvara

“What he did in the Hearts game was carry the ball really well, breaking the lines, finding good passes and also some presses inside the box. So for us and for him, he has been more coming up to speed after the setbacks and injury this season. He hasn’t been involved so much. If you look at his fitness level now and his intensity, it’s much better and then he can also express himself better and contribute more to the team. He’s going to be an asset now for us in the last part of the season.”