Stefan Gartenmann puts Aberdeen talks on hold as Dane seeks Premiership safety

Stefan Gartenmann has placed all talks surrounding his future with Aberdeen on hold until they secure their safety in the Premiership, starting with this weekend's clash with Motherwell.

The defender is currently on a season-long loan from FC Midtjylland, and the Dons had previously been in discussions to make it a permanent arrangement.

However, the 27-year-old has put them on the back burner with the club just five points above from the relegation play-off spot held my Ross County, writes the Daily Record.

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Gartenmann confirmed: "We will take that in the future. I think we have to be safe first. We have to make sure we are in the Premiership next season and from there we can take things on and I can speak to people at the club, including the manager.

"We can take care of that in the coming weeks. I haven’t given things much thought in the recent weeks, if I am being honest."

The Dane expects to get Aberdeen well-clear of the drop zone but all the clubs from Hibs in seventh all the way to 11th-placed County could still finish second bottom.

Interim Aberdeen boss Peter Leven has already told his players that he wants five wins out of five in the split. They open up their campaign with two home games, against Motherwell this weekend and then St Johnstone.

They are away to Hibs, home to Livingston and finish off with a trip to Ross County on the final day. Gartenmann knows that the semi-final display has to be the bar for the rest of Aberdeen’s performance this season. He believes if they hit those heights then they won’t be in any danger.

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The Dons star stated: "Hopefully, five wins, although that is easier said than done. If we take just 80 percent of what we showed at Hampden then I am sure we will be fine. The semi-final needs to be the goal for all our performances.

"It is easier showing up at Hampden than away to Livi or Ross County. That is what we need right now. We can’t think we are a better team than what we are.

"We are in a situation we put ourselves in. We have to dig ourselves out of it now."

Aberdeen have been given a boost from their spirited semi-final display against Celtic and the appointment of Jimmy Thelin, who is set to come in from Elsborg this summer.

Gartenmann insisted: "I don’t know much about him. I know a few guys who have played under him but I haven’t spoken to them about him yet. I am sure he will get to know all the players and their qualities in a very short time."

Thelin won’t be in for a couple of months but he is likely to be following things closely from afar, as he finishes things off at Elfsborg.

Peter Leven will remain in charge for this season, and Leven has moved back to a back four and Gartenmann is now getting back to form alongside Angus MacDonald.

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The defender stated: "It is hard to focus on that just now (the new manager). We are in a situation where we can’t look too far ahead. We have to focus on Saturday.

"It is good that there is no uncertainty now. We know what is going to happen next season. It is good that it is out of the picture and the fans are happy with things as well. All focus is now on Motherwell."

Thelin will want to make his own changes to the Aberdeen squad when he comes in. Gartenmann thinks the foundations are there despite the fact the team have massively underachieved in the Premiership.

The centre half claimed: "I think he could see some quality in the squad. He will sit down with the people in charge in the coming period and there are a lot of players he can use for the future."