Head Coach on a frustrating afternoon against MK Dons
Gabriele Cioffi reflected on a tough afternoon for Reds, who lost 4-0 at home to second-placed MK Dons and slip down to 12thin the League 2 table.
On overall performance …
Hugely frustrating for us. MK Dons are a good side with a strong squad but today we beat ourselves. We have made mistakes that they have punished and our reaction, especially when we conceded the first goal, was not like us. We didn’t react in the way I know we can and MK Dons were too good a team not to punish us today.
On conceding nine goals in two games …
It’s a collective thing for the whole squad. The players do not go out to make mistakes and sometimes in football when you make a mistake nothing happens. Today it did but it is obvious we need to defend better as a team and be more physical. We have the options to change the players but the most important thing is that we need to react the right way mentally to a couple of poor results. That is the challenge for the players now. We need a reaction and I expect this to happen.
On inconsistent form …
Two weeks ago, we played very well against Newport, even better perhaps without the result against Exeter. Now we have played two very bad games. It has been a problem for a while, perhaps going back before I came to the club and obviously it is very frustrating. The only solution is hard work, among the players and the staff – myself included. Look to see how we improve and go and do it out on the pitch.
Frustration for the fans…
Today I feel a real warmth from the stands, even after we concede the first goal. The fans got behind us but at the end I completely understand their frustration. That was not like us, especially here at home. We have to improve for them.
Bouncing back …
A big game in the FA Cup next week but first Tuesday. That is our focus – Haywards Heath in the Sussex Cup. A chance to look at some other players. If they are not in the team their chance to show me that they should be involved.
