Graham Alexander is enjoying getting to know his MK Dons squad, as pre-season preparations continue for his side ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Alexander’s men are into their second week of a six-week programme which has been designed to get the players in the best possible shape for the opening day trip to Wrexham on Saturday 5 August.
Discussing what he’s seen from his new group, when meeting with the media at the end of last week, Alexander said: “It's been going really well from my perspective - we've worked the players really hard.
“We want to test their physical capabilities and improve their fitness, as well as give them some tactical ideas too. I've asked them to commit to everything we're asking of them, and that commitment has been good so far.
“We have to be ready for 50 games minimum - that's the target we've set for the players. In British football, you have to be fit because of how we play the game here. It's the same at every level.
“The first few days are purely physical but we've also got six weeks to get as much as we can into them, tactically. After a couple of days, we started to do some basic stuff and we’ll increase it as time goes on.
“We don't want to jump to step three or four, if they don't understand step two. We have to put those blocks in place first before moving on.
“But, all through pre-season and into the season itself, we'll have physical elements to training. Without the base of physical fitness and injury resistance, you won't be able to play games to win them anyway.”
Alexander added: “It's an ongoing process, but what I've seen so far is a group of players who want to win after a difficult season. That said, we are just talking about what we want going forward - last season is in the bin as far as I'm concerned.”
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Watch Graham Alexander's MK Dons in Stadium MK action for the first time when they take on Coventry City and Northampton Town in pre-season friendlies later this month.
The Dons will face Coventry City on Tuesday 25 July before hosting the Cobblers at Stadium MK on Saturday 29 July in their final warm-up match ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Tickets for both matches are on sale now from the Box Office and online, with discounts available for Season Ticket holders if bought in advance.
Season Ticket holders can purchase tickets at a rate of £10 adults, £8 over-65s, £8 under-25s, £5 under-21s and £1 under-14s while general sale tickets are priced at £12 adults, £10 over-65s, £10 under-25s, £6 under-21s and £1 under-14s.
To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
