Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has revealed the “mandatory” qualities he will demand from every player under his regime.
The Pittodrie gaffer has already made four signings during the January transfer window and is working on further additions.
Aberdeen’s hierarchy have backed Thelin to secure reinforcements this month in a bid to reignite the campaign.
The Dons are in the midst of a 12-game winless league run that has yielded only four points from the last possible 36.
Thelin has revealed the demands he places on new signings and players already at the club before the window opened – that MUST be met.
Thelin said: “There is the quality with the ball and how quickly we get into our structure when losing possession.
“Then it is about reacting quickly to that.
“All these demands are mandatory for everybody to understand.”
Boss Thelin issues defiant message
Aberdeen are without a Premiership win for more than two months.
Thelin’s side last secured a league victory when edging out Dundee 4-1 at Pittodrie on November 9.
There was a glint of light last weekend when the Dons finally ended the long wait for a victory when overcoming Elgin City 3-0 in the Scottish Cup.
The Swede began his Aberdeen career with a sensational 16-game unbeaten run in all competitions, with 15 wins.
That run of form saw Thelin’s side level on points with league leaders Celtic after 11 Premiership matches.
The dramatic nosedive in form has resulted in the Dons slipping to fourth in table.
That position still brings qualification for the Uefa Conference League second qualifying round.
However, the Reds are only two points behind third-placed Dundee United.
A third-placed Premiership finish is rewarded with a Uefa Europa League second qualifying round position.
Thelin’s belief his team can rebound and still deliver a successful season has not been dented by the winless league run.
He said: “If you want to create a strong team year by year by year, you can’t give up if you have a challenging time.
“You can’t give up in the bid to create a strong fortress and bring that stability season by season.”
Aberdeen boss Thelin focusing on what he can control
Aberdeen are in the midst of the club’s longest winless league run this century.
The last time the Dons failed to win in 12 league games was in 1999.
Thelin has moved in the transfer window to bring in reinforcements as a catalyst to reignite the form.
There are also signings secured on permanent deals with the focus on playing a key-role in Thelin’s bid to deliver prolonged success in the future.
Centre-back Kristers Tobers has made a positive impact since signing on a three-and-a-half-year deal in a £600,000 transfer from Swiss club Grasshoppers.
Versatile full-back Alexander Jensen has also impressed since arriving in a £545,000 transfer from Swedish top flight club Brommapojkarna.
Jensen can play either full-back role and also midfield and penned a four-year contract.
Thelin also secured loan deals until the end of the season for centre-back Alfie Dorrington (Tottenham) and winger Jeppe Okkels (Preston North End).
The Dons boss is doing all he can to reignite the season.
He said: “We focus on the things that we have control over.
“Our behaviour, our own quality… not what the opponent is doing.
“That’s what I think are the most important things to improve.
“In the long term, that’s what we have to do to play here.
“But we have to do that step by step.
“I’m the manager and know we have to put in more standards to this and be better.”
Scottish Cup tie date confirmed
Meanwhile Aberdeen have confirmed the Scottish Cup fifth round tie against Dunfermline Athletic at Pittodrie will be on Sunday, February 9.
The tie will kick-off at 12.30pm with the match broadcast live on Premier Sports.
The Dons will confirm the sale process and ticket prices in due course.
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