Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s clash with Rochdale, Manager Dan Micciche wasn’t hiding from the notion that this week was an important one for his MK Dons side.
Micciche’s men face Rochdale and Fleetwood Town this week – two sides also down the bottom end of the Sky Bet League One table.
Six huge points are up for grabs, therefore, and the Dons will be looking to pick up the first half of those tonight at the Crown Oil Arena.
“It’s a massive week for us,” Micciche acknowledged in his media address. “We’re going up [on Wednesday morning] and we are staying up there, up until the Fleetwood game – we’re shutting the doors and focusing everything we can on winning these two matches.
“We all want points on the board and I understand that us staying in this division is of paramount importance. It has been frustrating of late because the performances have been there at times. However, we need to put points on the board.
“We’ve got a big list of players out which isn’t ideal but I’ve just got to focus on the players who are available. Their application has been excellent and they are giving it their all – any doubts about the players’ desire and fight to keep this club in the division couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Here’s what else Micciche had to say in his pre-match press conference...
On the long list of absentees...
“Ed [Upson] and Ethan [Ebanks-Landell] are suspended so the bookings from earlier in the season have caught up on us, which is frustrating for me. We’ve got [Alex] Gilbey, Scott [Golbourne] and Walshy [Joe Walsh] out and the other four we are trying to get back – Chuks [Aneke], Peter [Pawlett], Tav [Marcus Tavernier] and Osman [Sow]. I know if those players are on the pitch, those one-goal swings could have turned into draws or wins. I’ve just got to focus on the players that we have available and put out the best team [on Wednesday] to win us the football match.”
On Dean Lewington...
“Dean has been excellent since he’s come back again. It wasn’t ideal that we had a player who hadn’t played for three months but he did a great job of getting himself in the right condition. His leadership qualities are there for all to see. Dean is going to be massive for us between now and the end of the season, as are all the senior players.”
On Rochdale...
“Every game is difficult, particularly away from home. Keith [Hill, Rochdale Manager] has done a really good job there. Congratulations to them for getting the draw [against Tottenham Hotspur] on the weekend. I’m hoping with the extra day recovery we’ve had and more prep time, that will work in our favour.”
On the pitch at the Crown Oil Arena...
“It has been relayed but it’s not in the condition we might think, seeing it on the television. A few players were slipping on it as well. We have to adapt to whatever conditions we face on Wednesday evening.”
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Tickets for tonight's clash with Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena are priced at £22 adults, £16 seniors/under-22s and £5 under-17s while under-3s go FREE.
Travel is available at £26 adults and £25 seniors/under-18s with a £1 discount for Season Ticket holders and members.
To book tickets and travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy from the Club until 12pm today.
