By Scott McDermott

Copyright dailyrecord

Jens Berthel Askou says pal Jimmy Thelin ’s job shouldn’t be under threat – because he’s got nothing to prove as Aberdeen boss. The Motherwell gaffer came up against Thelin when they both worked in Sweden and he rates him highly. The Dons manager is feeling the heat after failing to win a game or score a goal in the Premiership so far this season. Thelin’s Scottish Cup triumph over Celtic in May has ensured he’s got credit in the bank with Pittodrie fans. And Berthel Askou i nsists it’s a symptom of the modern game – and society – that anyone is questioning his credentials. ‘Well face Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on Saturday. Berthel Askou would love to add to Thelin’s current woes but is adamant that he’s a top boss. The Dane said: “It’s modern football, isn’t it? The modern world. “You lose two football games and suddenly you’re under pressure and everyone wants you out. I don’t think Jimmy is the only example where fans – and people in general – live in a very impatient world. It’s very emotional. “I don’t think social media helps with patience or the lack of it around football. “Jimmy has proven himself as a very good manager. There’s a reason why he’s still there. But that’s the world of football. “It’s everywhere, isn’t it? The leagues have barely started around the world and you see that managers are getting released already. “You see it everywhere. It’s difficult to get momentum, especially early on, to get that support. “That’s why you need to really appreciate it when you have it. Because everyone is just analysing results. But what leads to results is performance. “It’s our job to make sure we analyse the performance because that’s what we can influence and improve.” Motherwell under Berthel Askou have produced some brilliant displays in the league so far – but have drawn all of their five Premiership games. One player who has caught the eye is former West Ham left-back Emmanuel Longelo who already has three goals and an assist to his name. Berthel Askou believes the 24-year-old has the potential to get even better – and eventually earn a big money move away from Fir Park. He said: “There’s still a lot of development in him. “Obviously, we see raw talent there. We didn’t have to teach him how to use his left foot or go one against one, it’s natural for him. “But he had a lot to learn when he came in. He had to build up physically because he hadn’t played much football. His confidence needed to grow – and he still has a lot to learn. “But he’s performing really well for us, and he’s a game-decisive player. In the few games he hasn’t been either assisting, creating chances or scoring goals, he’s had the opportunity to do it. “I think it’s obvious that he has the potential. That’s what we want, players who have ambition and potential. “So then bigger clubs than Motherwell might offer them the opportunity to take the next step in their career.” Berthel Askou would love to see off the Dons on Saturday and reach a Hampden semi-final in his first season at Fir Park. He’s enjoyed cup success as a gaffer before – in the Faroe Islands with Havnar Boltfelag in 2020, in front of just 1,000 fans. He admits it would be a different story if he could replicate it with the Steelmen at Scotland’s national stadium. Berthel Askou said: “Yeah, of course it would be different. “Everyone on the island would fit into Hampden, the population is about 50,000. The whole island would stop! “Look, obviously, that’s what we dream of here. This is an opportunity for us. A cup competition is probably the shortest way to win a trophy. So, we’ll go full throttle, and see how it goes. “I’ve had success before in Faroe Islands and it’s great, no matter where you are in your football career or what the level is. “I enjoyed it a lot, it was a great experience to do it with people I got really close to. “It affects not just your life, but your family’s lives too. It’s an amazing feeling when you succeed and win something.”