George Jones reports from Stadium MK
Karl Robinson saluted the desire and application of his side after they ground out a 1-0 victory away at MK Dons on Boxing Day.
In a closely-fought contest, in which chances were at a premium, the Addicks struck the game’s decisive blow on 38 minutes when Ademola Lookman latched onto a wonderful through ball from Andrew Crofts to find the bottom corner.
After the break, Robinson’s men restricted the Dons to zero shots on target and, speaking after the game, the boss revealed how pleased he was with the grittiness of his team.
Question: Karl, Happy Christmas. You must be very pleased to have got the three points today?
KR: “Yes, I am. I don’t think our performance was great. I don’t think either team played particularly well and in the second half I’m not sure there were many, if any, shots on target.
“We knew how to play. We thought individually they were very good, so collectively we had to be strong. We defended unbelievably well and I don’t remember being under a great deal of pressure.
“I wish MK Dons luck now. In my trio of games against them, I have drawn two over 90 minutes and won one and that was important. We have still got a long way to go, a lot of improving to do, before we can think that we are a good team. We aren’t anywhere near it yet.”
Q: Perhaps not a great game but a brilliant goal to win it?
KR: “The pass from Crofty was sensational and that is something that we have worked on all week. We spoke about how we could get beyond the lines and get Ademola in. He is a special talent, a maverick – so you have to be patient with him. When players like him come along and do something special then you remember them. It was a wonderful finish.”
Q: It was your first victory at the club this afternoon. What did you learn about your players?
KR: “There is a real desire and application from my players. I am still very new into this role and we have come into this game with a lot of players missing. If we can get them back and add to the squad in January, there could be a big change. The players that played today showed how good this squad is and that is where we have to move forward from.”
Q: You mention January. Do you think that could be a busy month for you?
KR: "Hopefully, 100%. I’m going to meet the President tomorrow; me, my captain and my staff. STVV play Standard Liege at home, so we’re going over on the train to watch that and speak about what we can do in January. It’ll be nice to take in a game and discuss how we take this great club forward.”
In a closely-fought contest, in which chances were at a premium, the Addicks struck the game’s decisive blow on 38 minutes when Ademola Lookman latched onto a wonderful through ball from Andrew Crofts to find the bottom corner.
After the break, Robinson’s men restricted the Dons to zero shots on target and, speaking after the game, the boss revealed how pleased he was with the grittiness of his team.
Question: Karl, Happy Christmas. You must be very pleased to have got the three points today?
KR: “Yes, I am. I don’t think our performance was great. I don’t think either team played particularly well and in the second half I’m not sure there were many, if any, shots on target.
“We knew how to play. We thought individually they were very good, so collectively we had to be strong. We defended unbelievably well and I don’t remember being under a great deal of pressure.
“I wish MK Dons luck now. In my trio of games against them, I have drawn two over 90 minutes and won one and that was important. We have still got a long way to go, a lot of improving to do, before we can think that we are a good team. We aren’t anywhere near it yet.”
Q: Perhaps not a great game but a brilliant goal to win it?
KR: “The pass from Crofty was sensational and that is something that we have worked on all week. We spoke about how we could get beyond the lines and get Ademola in. He is a special talent, a maverick – so you have to be patient with him. When players like him come along and do something special then you remember them. It was a wonderful finish.”
Q: It was your first victory at the club this afternoon. What did you learn about your players?
KR: “There is a real desire and application from my players. I am still very new into this role and we have come into this game with a lot of players missing. If we can get them back and add to the squad in January, there could be a big change. The players that played today showed how good this squad is and that is where we have to move forward from.”
Q: You mention January. Do you think that could be a busy month for you?
KR: "Hopefully, 100%. I’m going to meet the President tomorrow; me, my captain and my staff. STVV play Standard Liege at home, so we’re going over on the train to watch that and speak about what we can do in January. It’ll be nice to take in a game and discuss how we take this great club forward.”