Having played for 25 clubs in 13 countries and been assistant manager for Cuba and Namibia, Pfannenstiel should be well connected in terms of recruitment.
“For Aberdeen the most important thing is to find a strategy, a philosophy, a clear playing style,” he said.
“Sometimes recruiting the best player on the market doesn’t always work out. You need to have the best fitting player to your system and style.”
The Dons are currently eighth in the Scottish Premiership following a disappointing start to the season.
“I think it was good news for Jimmy that I came in because he can focus more on what he wants to focus on and concentrate on the coaching,” said Pfannenstiel.
“I can take away a lot of pressure from him when it comes to dealing with recruitment, finding players. The head coach should really be able to focus on what is happening on the field, what is happening in the changing room.
“I am here to support Jimmy with everything I can and then to speak about [new] players. There will be a lot of conversations. So far, whenever we spoke I have a really good feeling about that, we see football very much the same.”
Three wins and a draw in their past five league games suggest Thelin has turned a corner, with Pfannenstiel saying: “I see a team with very good potential.
“I see maybe one or two little puzzle pieces missing and, if you fill those positions with the right players, I think some of the other players could really take off and go in the perfect right direction.
“Looking at the table people will get worried, but you have to trust the process, you have to also believe in what we have and then it is improving step by step.
“We are not too far away from January and getting a bit of fresh blood. Small changes, small adjustments, can have a big impact.”
