Liam Manning wants MK Dons to be braver in situations like they found themselves in at Hillsborough Stadium.
Manning’s men led Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 up until the 81st minute of their Sky Bet League One clash on Tuesday evening, before two late goals from the home side snatch all three points.
Reflecting on the reasons why, the MK Dons Head Coach said: “I cannot question the desire and attitude but what it came down to was our quality in possession - we had to show more bravery.
“It's tough, coming to a place like this, with the momentum and noise that the 20,000 people here make.
“When we scored, we sat back and went into block and turned over the ball too cheaply.
“We've done it too often, going ahead and going straight into block as default, rather than taking the sting out of it by dominating the ball. At 1-0 up, we have to find a way to be brave, step up, get on the ball and keep the ball.
“It was there for us to build and keep the ball and we didn't do it well enough so it’s a tough one to take, especially with the timing of the goals.”
Manning added: “We're a young group and we’re still learning. Some of it comes down to experience and understanding – being in situations like this is new to so many of them, especially after last season behind closed doors.
“I wouldn't say we have an issue with belief, but we have to be braver and it’s now about taking responsibility and grabbing games like that to come out on top.
“It hurts right now, as it should, but we've got players who want to get better and we will improve from this. The experience will hurt tonight but we'll spin it right and use it the right way.”
Here is what else Liam Manning had to say in his post-match press conference…
On Aden Baldwin being substituted…
“Aden was stretching his hamstrings a lot so it was a decision to bring on fresh legs.”
On Max Watters’ injury…
“He took a hit on the bottom of the foot so we'll see how he is in the morning.”
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Liam Manning and MK Dons will look to bounce back on Saturday when they take on Morecambe at the Mazuma Stadium.
Tickets, which are available to buy from the Box Office and online, are priced at £25 adults, £20 over-65s, £15 young adults, £7 under-18s and £5 under-14s.
To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933. Tickets will be available from the Box Office up until 4pm on Friday.
