Veljko Paunovic Highlights 'Unnecessary Mistakes' In Blackburn Loss

The Royals headed up to Blackburn with the hope to get back to winning ways but came back to Berkshire pointless after a 2-0 defeat.

That’s two defeats in two after a really good run of form. After a goalless first half, Sam Gallagher gave Blackburn the lead and just three minutes later, they doubled their lead through Tyrhys Dolan. Reading now sit 13th, two points behind the play-off zone.

Manager Veljko Paunovic was left to rue the missed chances and mistakes that were made by the side. He spoke to the official club website and Berkshire Live.

Paunovic on the defeat

“We created opportunities but we didn’t convert them. We were on the verge of scoring a goal a few times which would have put us in a good winning position. At half-time we felt confident.

“We thought we just needed to be that little bit more patient in the final third to find that pass and that final product… scoring a goal.

“But we made some unnecessary mistakes. When the game was under control, we gave away two balls in midfield and they scored. We were too naïve and that is on us. We compromised the momentum we had gained – losing the ball too easily or unnecessary attempts to force attacks.

“And we the price we paid was very high.

“Unfortunately, we have to learn that we have to be more ruthless and convert our chances. We were solid as a team, but we have to learn that in the Championship we can’t rely on that consistency if we don’t make it count.

“We going to keep fighting with what we have – we have a small squad and the burden of the matches so far has been pretty much on this group of players because of the injuries we have. I have to encourage the players who were out there – they recovered well from Wednesday and they tried hard today. But this division is demanding and fatigue plays its part.

“We are going to keep doing our best. And we’re going to keep looking to fix the weaknesses we have shown.”

Paunovic on having a small squad

"We have to acknowledge the group and support the team because it's a small squad.

"Most of the guys are carrying the burden of the season so far. It's still early but we all know how hard and demanding the league is and there was a component of fatigue in our execution.

"This team is capable of winning games and having good runs, and bouncing back, which is what we need to do against Bournemouth next week."

Paunovic on moving forward

“We are capable. We are a good team. We have shown that we can win games playing good football, we can entertain our fans and make them proud of us, we can grind out results when we need to. That has to be re-established in the next week ahead of a very big match against Bournemouth.”

Paunovic on being consistent

"Consistency is the hallmark of the whole league and we are part of it.

"The Championship is wrapped in that and if you are recognising the moments when you drop and manage those moments then you'll get better results.

"It wasn't the case today, though, we just gave away the two goals which we created for them.

"That's something we have to work on and fix and address internally.”

Paunovic on Femi Azeez

"Femi proved at the beginning of the season he can be very useful for the team.

"He scored two goals and was very effective so for him personally it's very hard and also for the team because he is a very important piece for us."