Liam Manning says MK Dons can’t sit around and feel sorry for themselves following Tuesday’s defeat at Oxford United.
Manning’s men dominated their clash with the U’s at the Kassam Stadium but were undone by a Billy Bodin goal five minutes from time.
It means the Dons have lost back-to-back games for only the second time this season but they remain third in the Sky Bet League One table, level on points with second-placed Rotherham United.
“The lads are disappointed in there because we're all emotionally invested but we can't sit around and feel sorry for ourselves,” Manning said in his post-match press conference.
“We have another big game on Saturday so we have to park the emotion, stay on track and make sure we're ready to go.”
On the performance and result, the MK Dons Head Coach said: “We played some terrific stuff first half. We got into dangerous areas and looked a threat but when we got through the press it just fizzled out and came to nothing.
“It was the old cliche - a game of two halves. We knew they would come for us in the second half because they needed to win so they were always going to commit extra men forwards and they would move it quicker.
“It's a big lesson for us in terms of game management. We should be able to ride out the sticky periods and be brave enough to get on the ball with a bit more quality which we didn't do in the second half.
“It was a big occasion and we had to stay cool, calm and focused and in control of what we needed to do. We lost that a little bit, and played the occasion too much. We're a young group and we have to learn quickly from it.
“The time and the manner of the goal are disappointing. The goal is what it is - I'm not going to blame anyone, it's more about learning.
“I'm still super proud of what they have done this season and how they played at times tonight as well.”
Manning confirmed in his post-match press conference that striker Connor Wickham missed out with a knock.
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Liam Manning and MK Dons will look to bounce back on Saturday when they take on Morecambe at Stadium MK.
Prior to kick-off, fans will be able to enjoy a host of activity in the Marshall Arena Fanzone thanks to the support of a number of local business.
Tickets for the game itself are priced at £22 adults, £17 over-65s and £7 under-18s while Under-12s are able to attend for FREE.
To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622922. Tickets will be available to buy right up up until kick-off from the Box Office.
