Dan Micciche insists he and his MK Dons side won’t be getting carried away by Tuesday’s 3-2 victory over Rotherham United, with their attention now solely on this weekend’s clash at Stadium MK.
Micciche’s Dons ended their baron run on Tuesday with an important home success over the Millers – one which lifted them to within four points of safety in Sky Bet League One.
His side fell behind in the contest but fought back to lead 2-1 at the break courtesy of goals from Robbie Muirhead and Peter Pawlett.
Muirhead added another after the re-start and despite Jon Taylor’s goal off the bench, the Dons were able to see out the remainder of the contest to secure the three vital points.
It’s a result that has been a long time coming for Micciche & Co but while pleased to add to the team’s win column, the Dons boss knows the job is far from done.
“No one is getting carried away because there is still a long way to go,” he told the media in his post-match press conference.
“The players and supporters deserve to enjoy [the win] but we need to stay humble and re-focus because we know Saturday is another big game. With the games coming up, we’ve got an opportunity to really define our season so our minds are now firmly on Saturday.”
On the victory itself, Micciche said: “We have come up against a strong side, who are fourth in the league and are well coached. We went 1-0 down after 10 minutes and people would have expected us to collapse but I’ve always had full faith in these players.
“I felt really good about tonight, even at 1-0 down. We were strong and we looked a threat. It’s the most balanced team we’ve had since I’ve come here and the bench was the strongest it’s been too.
“They’ve shown tonight what character we’ve got. I asked of everyone before the game to give 110 percent and all of them gave everything they’ve got for the Football Club. They showed they are up for the fight.”
He added: “I want to give special thanks to the supporters who stood by us tonight and in the last few weeks – it has not gone unnoticed. My backroom staff, as well, who have worked tirelessly since I’ve been here, and, of course, the players too.”
Here’s what else Micciche had to say following the victory...
On Robbie Muirhead...
“He is getting better and better. Robbie got his call-up to Scotland today, which is well deserved, and then he then rose to the occasion. We know what Robbie has got – with every player in the squad, I’ve got to see what their strengths are and we’ve got to play to that. We’ve got to ask the players to do things they are capable of, not things that they are not.”
On Lee Nicholls...
“Lee pulled off a match-winning save. It was an outstanding save and we know he’s capable of that. When you look at any goalkeeper, you ask if they are capable of big saves. Any team that is successful all have a goalkeeper that can do that.”
On the recent criticism...
“You don’t take the job on if you’re not prepared to put up with that. In my time in coaching, I’ve always had to deal with being an underdog. This is a challenge for me and I’ve come here to help the Club.”
On seeing out the six minutes of stoppage time...
“It felt like 60! I thought we had a good shape about us and it was going to take something spectacular for them to score. I thought we managed the final minutes really well and thankfully the six minutes past.”
On the confidence boost...
“The spirit has always been good. No heads have dropped because we know we’ve been close in all the games. But, the momentum will be important now.”
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Dan Micciche's MK Dons will be looking to make it back-to-back victories on Saturday when they entertain Bury at Stadium MK in a Family Dons Day clash!
Tickets are priced at just £12 adults and £1 under-18s while a host of activity will be taking place outside Stadium MK prior to the 3pm kick-off
To purchase tickets for Family Dons Day click HERE, visit the Box Office/centre:mk kiosk or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets for this fixture are available to buy right up until kick-off.
