Adil Aouchiche explains how long talks with Jimmy Thelin led to Aberdeen midfield position switch

Aberdeen’s Adil Aouchiche revealed his switch to a deeper midfield role was the product of long talks with boss Jimmy Thelin, with the aim for the Frenchman to be “more alive in the game”.

Signed to bolster Thelin’s attacking midfield options, Aouchiche arrived in the summer on loan from promoted English Premier League Sunderland.

The Dons hold an option-to-buy the ex-Paris Saint-Germain youngster for a club-record £1.5million at the end of the season.

But the 23-year-old struggled in the early months of the campaign being used in the no.10 role, with just one goal and a couple of assists in his Reds career so far.

However, Aouchiche’s last two starts – at AEK Larnaca in the Conference League and Sunday’s 1-0 Premiership victory against Hearts – have been further back, in a central midfield two alongside Dante Polvara.

Aouchiche has earned praise for his contribution in both matches, and thinks a different position is letting him be the “best version” of himself.

He said: “I feel good in this position to be honest.

“I spoke with the manager for a long time about this because he wanted me to try.

“He thought it was good for the team and I think it has been a good decision from him also.

“I can be alive in the game – I touch the ball more and get involved in more duels.

“I am more central and I can be the best version of myself right now.

“If I can help the team then that is okay.

“I played this position before when I was young. I have also played in this position professionally as well.

“I am not surprised to be in this position. I think it can help me get to a higher level.”

‘It is really important for the club to win this game, if we want to achieve something’

Aouchiche, who helped Aberdeen get their first Conference League point on the board with a 0-0 draw in Cyprus three weeks ago, was speaking ahead of Thursday’s Euro visit from Armenian champions FC Noah.

With three games of a six-fixture league phase campaign remaining, and seven points required for progress to the knock-out stages last season, Aouchiche says the Dons “can’t hide” from their Noah meeting being a must-win match.

He said: “It is really important for the club to win this game, if we want to achieve something in this cup.

“It would give us the chance to go through in this competition.

“We need to win and we have to win.

“Also, for the fans and the people at the club.

“The European nights can also be good here, so if we could bring three points at home then it will be better for us.”

Aouchiche: I wouldn’t have come to Aberdeen if I didn’t think we could go through in Europe

After a stuttering start to the season from Thelin’s team, they have lost only once in six Premiership fixtures to improve the mood.

Aouchiche – who revealed he has watched Aberdeen’s legendary European campaigns from the past on TikTok since he’s been at the club – says he “100%” believes the Reds can play an extended part in the Conference League this term.

“Otherwise, I wouldn’t have come here to sign for this club,” Aouchiche added.

“I am confident.

“We only have one point, which is not the best position to be, but if we win this game on Thursday, we give ourselves a big chance of going through in this competition and finishing as high as possible.”

Aberdeen focused on scoring more goal, not Noah’s game-plan – Aberdeen midfielder

Aberdeen’s upturn in form has coincided with a change in system, including a move to a three-man backline, which has brought improved defensive solidity.

Recent results have allowed the Dons to put a 6-0 Conference League defeat at AEK Athens in October behind them.

Aouchiche knows the next aim is to start scoring more goals – and he says Aberdeen are more focused on delivering their own best performance on Thursday rather than worrying too much about visitors Noah’s plan.

Aouchiche said: “We have learned a lot – I include myself.

“We have had some good experiences in this cup so far.

“It wasn’t easy to lose like we did against AEK Athens, but it is good to pull through and learn about the bad things we did.

“Against Larnaca, we put on a good performance and showed we are a good team. The team spirit is good. The next step will be the win.

“We are full of confidence. Everybody is focused on our objectives and our goals.

“We had a good game in Larnaca. We played a low, compact block.

“As a player in this system we feel more secure.

“Now it is a question of scoring more goals and creating more chances. If we do that, then the goals will come.

“I know the principle things about their team.

“We have trained and focused on their style of play with the manager and the coaches.

“They’ve given us a lot of information on the team. We now need to believe in ourselves and focus on what we can do in this game.

“It will be good for us to not think too much about them.”

[Source: Press and Journal]