Aberdeen roll out red carpet to Jimmy Thelin as Peter Leven makes honest management confession

Peter Leven is confident about transitioning back into a coaching role under Jimmy Thelin after his successful stint as interim manager, which saw Aberdeen climb away from the relegation zone to top of the bottom six.

When asked if it would be challenging to return to being a coach, Leven said: "No. I don't think so. I have that relationship with them (the players) and respect in that way. I will still shout and push them every day whether I am manager or coach. Nothing changes really."

Leven expressed satisfaction with his time in charge and acknowledged that the experience has sparked an interest in pursuing management in the future.

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He remarked: "Definitely. If one day it happens I have done it and have the experience now. I went abroad and learned as well. I've enjoyed it and maybe one manager I might be that manager."

He also commended the Aberdeen team and staff for their solidarity, which culminated in a nine-match unbeaten streak in the league, with their only loss in the last 10 games being a penalty shootout defeat to Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Leven, who stepped in following the Dundee loss, is mightily impressed by the players' response. As the 40 year old put it, "It is really pleasing how they responded to me,".

He championed good man management as an essential quality for a successful coach, stating: "You can be the best coach in the world but I think you have to be a good man manager. You have to understand your players and what makes them tick.", reports the Daily Record.

Underlining his personal approach to management, Leven elaborated: "That's something that I have always prided myself on. I have one-to-ones and small groups and have that connection with the players. It is not just 'I'm the manager and I need to speak to you' - I have that connection. They know they can come to me with anything."

According to Leven, the joy of the game reflects well in player performance. As he puts it: "I think the players respect that and you can see they are enjoying it. That is a big part of it. If you are enjoying your football and play with a smile it brings out the best in you."

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Despite having formed close ties with the team, Leven admits dropping players remains a challenging task. He explained: "I am still close with them but the hardest part is leaving boys out. Leaving boys out and having that chat is difficult but it's what you have to do."

With most of the Aberdeen team under contract, Leven advocates for continuous progression under Thelin next season. Thelin, wrapped up with Elfsborg for now, will begin his journey at Pittodrie after a short family holiday.

The team and Leven will also take some downtime before gearing up for the new season. When asked about his time as Aberdeen's Interim Manager, Leven stated: "I enjoy it when we're winning."

"I want the fans to be excited, I want the players to be excited and I want to be standing on the sideline excited by the way we are playing. You are not going to win all the time but there is a way of losing."

"I have enjoyed putting a stamp on things and they are buying into it. There is more that I would like to do although obviously I am only here for a short time."

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