Aberdeen’s Hampden hero Dimitar Mitov embracing pressure of building on Scottish Cup triumph.

Keeper Mitov is excited about the possibility to carry the momentum from the Scottish Cup victory into the European league portion of the coming season.

Dimitar Mitov, a Hampden hero, is relishing the pressure of following up Aberdeen’s historic first Scottish Cup victory since 1990. Mitov stopped two penalties in the thrilling 4-3 spot-kick shootout victory over treble-chasing Celtic in the final.

Bulgaria international Mitov recognises that the pressure is on to utilise the club’s first prize since 2014 as a springboard to further achievement.

The 28-year-old says he embraces the weight of playing for a club where success is expected – and demanded.

He warned that if players were unable to absorb and handle that load, they would be immediately discovered.

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has already signed four new players in a bid to build on his Scottish Cup success for the next season.

New signings with more to arrive

Striker Kusini Yengi, winger Nicolas Milanovic, left-back Emmanuel Gyamfi, and goalkeeper Nick Suman have all signed permanent contracts. Thelin is in advanced talks with additional summer transfer targets.

Mitov intends to set a good example and ensure that Thelin’s recent trophy victory is just the beginning of his glory years.

He stated, “For us, it is all about winning and instilling that culture in this football club. “We understand what this implies for the club and the fans. “When you arrive to a football club like Aberdeen, you must win because otherwise, they will change you. “For us, it’s all about winning and building a culture. “Is the pressure enjoyable? One hundred percent. “It’s one thing to struggle to stay in a league; it’s entirely else to compete for a trophy and Europe. “That’s an amazing pressure to have, and what you want.”

Mitov’s delivered an outstanding effort in the Scottish Cup final, featuring a crucial block from Daizen Maeda late in regulation time.

Importance of Aberdeen’s leaders

He also saved against Celtic captain Callum McGregor and Alistair Johnston in the penalty shootout.

In front of 20,000 Aberdeen fans, captain Graeme Shinnie raised the Scottish Cup trophy, becoming the first Dons skipper to do so since Alex McLeish in 1990. Shinnie set an example by taking and converting the Dons’ initial penalty at Hampden.

According to Mitov, one of Aberdeen’s primary qualities is that Shinnie is not the only player who leads by example. The custodian stated, “We have a lot of leaders in this team who speak with the players. “Graeme is the captain, but it doesn’t make him the only leader.

“We talk to each other and discuss things. “The more games we play together, the better our understanding will become. “The better people understand your talents and limitations. “I believe it is critical for us as a group to communicate and express what we are comfortable doing. “And what we don’t feel comfortable doing.

“That is something that comes with time; it does not happen overnight. “If you look at the better teams, they’ve played together probably two or three seasons.” During the summer break, Mitov played for the Bulgarian national team. He began a 4-0 friendly loss to Greece on June 10.

Mitov on Aberdeen’s mental strength

Winning the Scottish Cup capped off Thelin’s maiden season, which had its ups and downs. Thelin started his Pittodrie reign with a 16-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, including 15 victories.

It was the best form of any team in the top-50 European leagues, according to Uefa’s rankings. Then it all came crashing down with a 14-game Premier League losing streak.

The Dons’ form improved, but they lost their final four Premiership games before the final. That featured a 5-1 thrashing at Pittodrie by Celtic just 10 days before meeting the same team at Hampden. Mitov claims that the Dons’ self-confidence never faltered.

He stated: “Early in the season, we believed we could beat any team and would never lose. “Then, on the other side, you wonder when the next victory will arrive. “But the good thing about football is that you have to figure out how to get out of it.” “We did, and that demonstrates the squad’s strong mentality.

“When things aren’t going well, you must cling to the values you know. “You have to stick to the way you play, you know. “And eventually with hard work, belief and results will follow.”

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