Graham Alexander knows actions, not words, are required to earn the trust and support of the MK Dons fans, as his side bid to bounce back from their winless run this weekend at Stadium MK.
The Dons face Barrow on Saturday, looking for their first league victory in eight games – a result they hope will see them begin an ascent back up the Sky Bet League Two table.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s game, Alexander was honest and open in his answers regarding the frustration of supporters at the recent run of the results – the Head Coach knows he, and the team, have to earn the backing of the MK Dons faithful by bringing victories to Stadium MK.
“I don't expect supporters and others to be ecstatic about our results of late,” Alexander said. “We have to win more games to get the feel-good factor - that's the game, that's life and that's what we're trying to bring here.
“There was a strong response after the Sutton (United) game which, I think, was two weeks after we were top of the league, and I was Manager of the Month. It gave me an early indication of the frustration and the pain the supporters have been feeling and been carrying with them.
“I'm not defending the lack of wins or asking the supporters to change their reactions. I hope, and I want, the supporters to get behind me and my team but I cannot demand it.
“I have to act, have to produce to get that. I know where respect is earnt and it's through actions, not words.”
Alexander continued: “I can't control what's said about me or written on social media, so if I focus on that, I take my focus off what I'm here for. If I do that, I'm doing the players and the chairman a disservice.
“I always try to keep my focus on the things I'm on this planet for - to be a good dad, be a good husband and be a good football manager. Those are the three things that matter most to me.
“I have emotional control and resilience in my life, and I believe that our team and the club needs that in respect to what our future looks like.
“I see our team have really excellent spells of dominance on the ball, and then really poor spells in the same game. I think that's related to our emotional control.
“I never had it during my teens and 20s, I was a bit of a volcano. No good ever came of that, no consistency came of that. My life was inconsistent, and my career was inconsistent until I found the right mindset.
“My career has been full of ups and downs and difficult moments, and the emotional control of what was needed to improve and the resilience not to quit.
“My past is my reference point, I can't talk about Dons' past because I wasn't here for it, but I'm trying to understand that. I'm not a genius who claims to understand everything straight away.
“What I do know is that half of this team has had a really difficult 14 months. We accept that, but we have to accept accountability and responsibility for that, and be better this time.
“That's a healing process, and I've had several chats with individuals about improving their self-esteem, their self-worth, their confidence. But I'm not a magician, it doesn't happen overnight. It happens with persistence.”
This Saturday, Alexander’s Dons face a Barrow team who held league-leaders Notts County to a 1-1 draw last weekend. They have, though, only won one of their last six in Sky Bet League Two.
“I've met Pete (Wild) a few times before, though I don't think I've managed against him. He did an excellent job at Halifax (Town), and now at Barrow.
“Every team we face will be motivated, with good players and that challenge will not change on Saturday.”
He continued: “There is no more pressure on this game than the last game or the next game - there is pressure in every game we play and we can't just turn it on and off.
“The will to win is there, but when the pressure mounts, we have to be willing to take that on. When we do, we will be a team that goes forward and wins games.”
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Tickets for Saturday's Sky Bet League Two clash with Barrow are still on sale from the Box Office and online, priced from £24 adults, £18 over-65s and under-25s, £6 under-21s and £3 under-14s if bought in advance of matchday, while under-7s can watch from as little as £1.
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 from the Box Office, though prices will increase by £2 on the day of the game.
Can't make the game? Supporters can WATCH this fixture live on iFollow MK Dons for £10 - to purchase a Video Match Pass CLICK HERE!
