Liam Manning doesn’t want anybody getting carried away after Tuesday’s victory over Charlton Athletic but the MK Dons Head Coach wants players, staff and fans to enjoy the their first three points of the new campaign.
The Dons came from behind to beat Charlton on Tuesday night, with goals from Troy Parrott and Mo Eisa completing the turnaround to hand Manning his first victory since arriving at Stadium MK.
“The sooner we could win a game the better for the players, the staff and the fans,” Manning said in his post-match press conference.
“It was a really special moment for me to have the fans singing my name at the end – it’s one I won't forget in my career. The fans were terrific tonight and I hope they enjoyed the game.”
Manning continued: “We fully deserved it. I think we started both halves slow to be hones but we grew into the game and started to show our quality. We did a bit of everything and it was a really solid performance.
“Both goals were really high quality and the back players were really good and dealt with Stockley well. Collectively, it was a great.
“Overall, I'm delighted. It's big for us to get the win and now it's about building on it to go again on Saturday.”
Here is what else Manning had to say in his post-match press conference…
On Troy Parrott…
“He has scored two goals in two games and arguably an assist! Troy was adamant he meant the assist for the second goal - he was quick to tell me afterwards!”
On Dean Lewington’s impact…
“He's been terrific since I got here. He came on and built on what we had first half and showed a lot of maturity and seniority that the squad needed at the end. Before the game too, what he brings in the changing room is outstanding. It was great to have him make a positive impact as he did.”
On Mo Eisa…
“Mo was disappointed with himself on Saturday but he now has two in three - he will score goals at this level, I have no questions about that. He does a lot of unselfish work, though - a lot of running and he pins players to allow Troy and Twiney to get it in the pocket. I told him his work does not go unnoticed and that's important for him to know. He's a tough guy and we'll need that in this league.”
On seeing out the final half an hour…
“When you have young players, you have to show maturity. If we can get an extra goal and make things comfortable we'll do it but sometimes, resting on the ball, seeing it out and making sure we show the maturity can help. Sunderland did it to us at the weekend and won the game so it was good for us to do it tonight.”
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Liam Manning and MK Dons return to action on Saturday when they take on Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Tickets are available to buy from the Box Office up until 4pm on Friday - CLICK HERE for more details!
