Jimmy McNulty says Dale must bounce back quickly from Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup exit.
Dale were beaten 1-0 at Hereford in the fourth qualifying round of the competition, before welcoming Oldham Athletic in the Vanarama National League this weekend.
The Head Coach says the loss at Hereford hurt.
“We missed a lot of chances,” commented McNulty.
“The ball didn’t go in and in the end, they scored one. We missed a lot in the first-half and that always gives another team the chance to get a something from the game, to get a win.
“That’s my assessment to the game and a lot of our games. We know where we are and what we are, we just hope to win more.
“My prime objective is to try and produce football, moments and outcomes that makes everyone happy.
“I don’t enjoy the wins that much, because I’m too focused on what the next game is, because I always believe we win the next game.
“It hurts when we lose but the wins aren’t for me, they’re for everyone else, but on days like today it really hurts.”
McNulty says the visit of Latics will be a big occasion, but believes it is a game Dale can win, as we look to respond at the first opportunity.
“This is a stage that we’re probably got to go through. The disappointment, it’s almost grief-like in football. It’s important I feel this, it’s important I recognise it and see the players as down as they are – they’re really low.
“It’s important that we bounce back as quickly as possible for what is a massive game for us next Saturday.
“It’s the first one outside of the league, so it’s a huge occasion.
“Oldham, I expect to be massively lifted after the appointment of Micky [Mellon]. He’s gone in there and there will be a managerial bounce, you would expect.
“It makes for a real big occasion next week, a big game. But as always, it’s a game I truly believe we can win.”
Watch the full interview with McNulty below via our official YouTube channel.