Karl Robinson wasn’t happy with his side’s performance in the defeat to Chesterfield in the second round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Armand Gnanduillet’s powerful second-half header inflicted the 1-0 reverse - the Dons’ first defeat in seven matches.
“We just weren’t good enough,” said the 34-year-old. “We had a lot of players not here, and three players ill.
“But all over the field, Chesterfield had more energy, more quality in the final third, and we were lucky to only lose 1-0.
“I don’t think any player can come out of the game with any credit.
“Their keeper didn’t make any saves which is unlike us at stadiummk, we looked dull, we didn’t win any second balls and set pieces were diabolical. We were far from our best.
“The players looked lethargic and by far second best in every aspect.”
He added: “The players have been magnificent in the last two months, so an off day out of the last 10, 11 matches isn’t too bad. And our off days have been in cup competitions.
“You can’t really hang the players out to dry after the way they’ve played recently. I think I can let them off.”
“We just weren’t good enough,” said the 34-year-old. “We had a lot of players not here, and three players ill.
“But all over the field, Chesterfield had more energy, more quality in the final third, and we were lucky to only lose 1-0.
“I don’t think any player can come out of the game with any credit.
“Their keeper didn’t make any saves which is unlike us at stadiummk, we looked dull, we didn’t win any second balls and set pieces were diabolical. We were far from our best.
“The players looked lethargic and by far second best in every aspect.”
He added: “The players have been magnificent in the last two months, so an off day out of the last 10, 11 matches isn’t too bad. And our off days have been in cup competitions.
“You can’t really hang the players out to dry after the way they’ve played recently. I think I can let them off.”
