Latics manager wants players to stay open minded ahead of next game

This week has been an eye-opener for Dino Maamria and his Latics squad, and the Boundary Park boss appears confident he and the fans will see a positive response on Saturday.

Following last Tuesday's humbling 3-0 home defeat by Accrington in the Leasing.com Trophy, Latics were then thumped 6-1 at Mansfield on Saturday in League Two, clearly not helped by two red cards for Filipe Morais and Tomas Egert.

Maamria has since stated that referee Lee Swabey's performance in the Mansfield drubbing 'played a significant part' in the eventual outcome, but there is little doubt a big improvement will be required for the visit of Macclesfield Town this weekend.

Maamria said: "We've had a productive two or three days on the training pitch this week.

"I met with the players on Monday morning and there were a number of things highlighted.

"The players have got to be open-minded now - changes are definitely needed here.

"The players need to embrace the changes I will make.

"Training, discipline, these lads have to represent to the Oldham Athletic badge in the right way.

"Training always has to be competitive, I want to see high intensity, and I've found a lot out about this since I arrived at the club.

"I know exactly what I'm dealing with here now."

Macclesfield certainly won't be an easy nut to crack on Saturday.

They are on a decent run of form under recently-appointed boss Daryl McMahon, defeating Port Vale last weekend.

"Macclesfield have started the season brilliantly," added Maamria.

"I know they favour a back three system and they're rigid with it.

"They've not had many injuries to hamper them. They are definitely not the Macclesfield of last season.

"They are solid, and they've got players who can really make a difference to a game.

"We will need to be at our absolute best on Saturday, and we need to bounce back in front of our own fans.

"We have got a lot to prove to our fans after what went on at Mansfield."

Morais and Egert will be suspended for the visit of the Silkmen, while Mohamed Maouche is rated as doubtful thanks to an ankle injury.

Johan Branger-Engone remains a longer-term injury absentee.

Goalkeeper Gary Woods is fit again, while Zeus de la Paz and Desire Segbe-Azankpo will be available again following international duty.

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