ROYALS HAVE BRAIN PAUER
Veljko’s mind games ensure perfect run continues
MICHAEL MORRISON revealed new Reading boss Veljko Paunovic has blended mind games with the tactics board for the Royals’ perfect start to the season.
Reading have won three from three in a stunning start for their Serbian manager, who only took charge on the eve of the season.
Paunovic (right) is a bright fella, who speaks six languages, played for 13 clubs around the world, and reignited Chicago Fire during his spell in charge in the MLS.
Now, he’s brought acumen as well as attitude to the Royals, according to the club’s experienced centre-back Morrison.
“He’s got clear principles about how he wants to play,” said Morrison, who put his team on their way with his first goal for 10 months. “But, as well as the tactical part, he’s also very good with the attitude and psychological part of the team and making sure that it all connects.
“He makes sure we bring the right mentality every day, which goes into the matchdays.
“His hard work is paying off and it’s brilliant to see that the ‘ buy-in’ to the new manager increases tenfold when you start with three wins.
“Everyone then n becomes even more e committed.”
Commitment was s something Reading did d not lack, although it came at a cost with striker Lucas Joao dislocating his shoulder after he had put his side 2-0 up.
Midfielder Felipe Araruna also suffered a knee injury that left him in tears, but it’s the absence of Joao that will most concern Reading fans, after the Portuguese star’s electrifying five goals in four games.
Morrison said: “He is a real plus for us and carries a real threat.
“But there are people, like George Puscas, who might now get an opportunity, and it’s a good time to come into a team that has won three games in a row. Joao gives us a bit of everything in that lone striker role, so it will be interesting to see how we now adapt.”
Cardiff were able to pull back a goal late on through Lee Tomlin, but their wide players are not delivering to hungry new striker Kieffer Moore.
Moore’s arrival will see Callum Paterson complete a move to Sheffield Wednesday, although Cardi f f manager Neil Harris dismissed talk of winger Anthony Knockaert joining on loan from Fulham.
“Anthony has proven himself to be a top player at this level, but I’d suggest that one’s probably been agent- led,” said Harris of the Frenchman, who left Brighton for Fulham in July in a £10million deal. CARDIFF: Smithies 6, Osei-Tutu 5, Morrison 6, Nelson 4, Cunningham 5 (Murphy 89), Bacuna 6, Pack 5, Vaulks 6 (Tomlin 60, 6), Ojo 5, Moore 6, Hoilett 5 (Glatzel 73, 5)
READING: Cabral 7, Araruna 6 (Holmes 60, 6), Morrison 7, Moore 7, Richards 6, Rinomhota 8, Laurent 7, Olise 7, Meite 6 (McIntyre 77, 5), Ejaria 7, Joao 8 (Puscas 85)