Gunnarsson insists Thelin would give Pittodrie fans Swede dreams

NIKLAS GUNNARSSON can see exactly why Aberdeen are pushing to make Jimmy Thelin their next manager.

- SCOTT BURNS

The former Hibs stopper came up against Thelin’s Elfsborg side when he was at IFK Norrkoping last season.

And he was hugely impressed by a transformed team that just missed out on the Swedish title on the last day of the campaign.

Thelin has worked wonders in his six years at Elfsborg and Gunnarsson understands why he is a top target for the Pittodrie board.

The Norwegian said: “Elfsborg like to play on the counter. They play fast, attacking football.

“They are probably the most physical team in the Swedish top flight but also have a good tempo.

“They like to press high and don’t give the opposition much time on the ball. They like to win the ball back then counter attack with pace.

“Their defence is strong and one of the best in the league.

“A lot of their players have played at a high level outside of Sweden. They are a very solid team.”