PAUNO PRAISES DEFENSIVE RESILIENCE IN FIRST CLEAN SHEET
READING FC manager Veljko Paunović hailed a fantastic defensive performance as a makeshift Royals defence earned a first clean sheet of the season.
“The guys at the back did a fantastic job, they executed the plan very well,” said Paunović.
“I said this team were only going to get better and that is what’s happening right now.
“In the end we ended up defending the scoreline instead of benefiting from some of the chances we created with some superb team play.
“It’s regrettable we didn’t score more goals when we had the opportunity.
“But the team are showing their capability and their confidence.
“The fans here helped us again and they are building a great connection.
“We have to capitalise on the chances we create and we have to score more.
“There were opportunities to execute clinically and unfortunately we didn’t.
“But one goal is enough when you keep a clean sheet, and not conceding gave us three points today.”
Paunovic was full of praise for fellow Serbian Dejan Tetek who filled in at right-back amid the injury crisis in the Royals defence.
“Dejan (Tetek) proved he was ready for this. He did a great job, man of the match for me.
“He played for the first time in a new position, but having players that are coachable, intelligent and want to improve, it’s a pleasure to work with a team like that.
“And the whole team showed great spirit given the injury circumstances.
“The team has confidence, the belief is there and the team is playing good football.”
Speaking ahead of last night’s game, he said that Derby was another very important match.
“We will keep our feet on the ground and keep rolling,” he said. “They [Derby] have to fight for their goals so it’s going to be a tough match. “We always play matches in a manner where we have to match our opponents while we look to put out an attacking performance that can give us a win, so we’ll see how that goes.
“It’s definitely a big game and we are still in the process of getting better.
“We have to keep our feet on the ground and keep our focus only on the next match.”