The transcript from Robbie Neilson's press conference following the 2-1 win over Aylesbury.
On Aylesbury friendly…
“I thought it was an excellent team that we played against. Credit to them, they pressed the game really well and were really well organised. The first 10 minutes was a bit of shock to us. It was a tough, competitive game and that was great for us because, having played (on Friday) it really pushed them.”
Successful week of friendlies…
“One of the key things with pre-season is getting the fitness up and not picking up any injuries. Thankfully that’s been the case. We had two injuries (against Aylesbury) but they appear to just be dead legs so they’ll hopefully settle down over the next day or two.”
3-5-2 formation…
“We played (on Friday and Saturday) in a 3-5-2 to try and work on a few things which will hopefully benefit us during the season.”
Giorgio Rasulo…
“I still think there’s a lot more to come from him. He can dominate the game more. When he gets in the groove he can be exceptional at times but the groove has to be more often - it has to be 90 minutes. He knows that and if he can do that then we’ve got a very good player.”
Hungary trip…
“The players asked if they could take any casual gear but I told them not to do it because we’ll be training and playing - that’s it. We’re going to the best training facilities in Hungary so we want to make use of it as much as we can. We’ve cut the squad for it - we planned to go with 22 but we’ll now go with 17 or 18. We’ll train three times a day and play two games while we are out there as well. The season is gruelling here and you play so many games you have to make sure you’re physically ready.”
Hard-work doesn't stop…
“Every week is make-or-break for the players and it’s the same for the coaching staff as well. You have to perform day in, day out because that’s the nature of football. The players have to understand that you can’t take your foot off the gas for one day - it’s then up to the staff to drive that. How we’ll get promoted is by everyone giving everything.”
Quartet could feature in Hungary friendlies…
“We should have (Lee) Nicholls and (Scott) Wootton and we’re hoping to have (Peter) Pawlett. Lewie (Dean Lewington) will train with us and we’ll see how he does ahead of the games. I’m looking forward to having the four of them back because that’s almost half a team and they are all key players.”
Excited to see Scott Wootton in action…
“Scott will be getting pushed in these games. He wont start but he’ll get game time. We’ll push him from there. I’m looking forward to seeing him play. Obviously I’ve seen him during his time as a kid at Manchester United and at Leeds united. I know the type of players he is and the character he is. I expect him to be one of the top defenders in the division this season.”
Recruitment drive to continue at Stadium MK...
”We’ve left some of the staff behind. Alex Threaplton, our head recruitment analyst, will stay behind and work on things. Andy Cullen will be here too. I’m hopeful of adding maybe one player next week, maybe two.”
