Liam Manning wants his players to enjoy the journey as they prepare to head into the business end of the season.
MK Dons have 14 games left to play in the 2021/22 season and currently sit third in the Sky Bet League One table, four points clear in a play-off place.
Manning, though, wants his players to keep their focus short-term and, in the process, appreciate their situation for what it is.
“I don't want us to focus on the end of this season, I want us to focus week by week and enjoy the journey,” the Head Coach said in his post-match press conference after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Ipswich Town.
“Credit to the group, they’ve worked really hard to get us in a good spot. Now it’s about making sure we’re not getting too high not getting too low and not getting carried away with ourselves.
“We need to turn up week in, week out and do what is required and that always starts with earning the right to play.”
A key factor behind the Dons’ excellent recent form has been their defensive record since the turn of the year.
Manning’s men have kept five clean sheets already in 2022 and have conceded just five goals – a facet to their game that they will need to keep if they are to maintain their run of results.
“Early on, when we first joined, we were scoring lots of goals but also giving up lots of chances and goals,” Manning commented.
“When you look at the progress the groups made out of possession, we've got a really good platform going into games.
“We don't give up too many chances and when you do that you always have a chance to pick something up from the game.”
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Liam Manning and MK Dons take their five-game unbeaten run to the North East this weekend when they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Tickets, which must be bought in advance from the Box Office or online, are priced at £26 adults, £23 over-65s and £18 under-22s while under-16s tickets are priced at £12.
To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933. Tickets will be available to buy from the Box Office and online until 4pm on Friday.
