Robbie Neilson insists MK Dons must go into Saturday’s important clash with a ‘must-win’ attitude, rather than a ‘must not lose’ mindset.
Neilson’s men travel to Sixfields this weekend looking to take three points off a Northampton Town side that sit just one point below the Dons in the Sky Bet League One table.
Despite winning just three of their last 10 outings in all competitions, Neilson insists his side will go into the contest with a positive frame of mind.
“We have to have a ‘make sure we win’ attitude,” Neilson told the media in his pre-match press conference. “We don’t want to be going there saying ‘don’t lose’ because that just breeds negativity into everyone.
“It’s important we give the players confidence to go and play their football because when you’re at the bottom end of the table it can be difficult for the players to go and do that. We’ve got huge belief in them.”
On the importance of the fixture, Neilson said: “We are against a team that are down the bottom with us so it’s another hugely important game. The players understand the magnitude of the game – it is a massive one for us and it’s one we want to take three points from.
“We have got to start winning football matches. There is always pressure on everyone at the Club and, of course, I’m at the focal point of that. My job is to focus on the team and make sure the players are ready and prepared.
“It’s important everyone sticks together and we work hard to get ourselves going. There have been flashes this season where we’ve done really well – we have to do that more and start getting three points.”
Here’s what else Neilson had to say in his pre-match press conference...
On the signing of Marcus Tavernier and the departure of Gboly Ariyibi...
“We’ve been looking at Marcus for a while now. He’s a player that has been doing well and we’re delighted to get him. He brings energy, work rate and pace, and he’s very good at driving forwards from midfield, both in the wider areas and central areas. I think he’ll fit in very well with the group.”
On new signings coping with the current situation...
“They are both good players and that’s key. They both understand the game already at a young age so I don’t think they’ll be any issues about that.”
On looking to add further in the window...
“It’s something we are looking at. We’re going to keep looking right through the month to try and get as many good players as we can. We’ve still got a couple of positions that we’d like to strengthen and it’s important that the players coming in are good enough to take us forward.”
On the chance of outgoings...
“There hasn’t been any enquires for any of our players at the moment, but in football things can change quickly. I don’t expect to lose anyone and I don’t want to lose anyone but we will see what happens.”
On Aidan Nesbitt’s fitness...
“He nearly made it for last week. He was back in training but he didn’t feel right. He’s trained this week, though, and hopefully he will be ready for the weekend.
On returning strikers...
“It is great [to have Osman Sow] back and Ike Ugbo as well. It gives us more attacking options.”
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with Northampton Town are priced at £22 adults, £18 seniors/under-21s and £10 under-18s while under-7s go FREE, if bought in advance of matchday.
Travel, meanwhile, is available at £14 adults and £13 over-65s/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 or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy from the Club until 5pm on Friday.
