Wrexham were hit with a bit of a ‘reality check, as described by Phil Parkinson, as they lost 5-3 to Milton Keynes Dons.
After the long 15-year wait to return back to the English Football League (EFL), Wrexham were left feeling somewhat depleted as they were picked apart by MK Dons.
The Red Dragons went 2-0 down within ten minutes at the Racecourse Ground. They responded just before half-time, making the score going into the break at 2-1 look not as bad as initially thought.
But then two more second-half goals from the Dons were enough to completely extinguish any chance of a comeback. Although once again they did try, with an 82nd-minute strike and a 96th, but alas it simply wasn’t enough.
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A ‘reality check’ for Wrexham
The boss spoke after the game and relayed his opinions on the opening-day defeat:
“We started as if it was a World Cup final and that disappointed me,” said Parkinson. “We just didn’t settle.”
“The gap between the two teams is not what you saw today. I don’t think we are as poor as we showed. Equally, two years ago, they were in the League One play-off and it was a surprise they came down.
“But we have to be better in all departments. We were short and have to accept that. But sometimes you need a day like this, a reality check if you like, to reassess things and we will do that.”
A necessary set-back?
If we’re honest, this may have been a necessary setback for Wrexham. The club has moved at such a fast pace in the past couple of years and so much is already expected from this season.
This initial setback may be needed to realise Wrexham need to take a step back and calm down. As Parkinson said, we started the game like a World Cup final at 100mph.
We need to step back, reassess and go into the next game with a calm, assured and positive mindset.
What is Wrexham’s next game?
Wrexham have an EFL Cup tie on Tuesday 8th August 2023 against Wigan Athletic.
Come on Wrexham!