PAUNOVIC: ‘WE HAVE TO BE CLINICAL AND MORE RUTHLESS’

READING manager Veljko Paunovic was disappointed with his sides output in the final third in their defeat to West Brom.

The Royals failed to register a shot on target in their 1-0 defeat to the Baggies.

“It was not a great first half although we had a big chance to take the lead,” said Paunovic.

“I didn’t like that we conceded that much possession and I didn’t like the fact we didn’t create more, but we still had a big chance and an unfortunate outcome.

“We have to be much more clinical and much more ruthless and focused when we have these kinds of chances to turn around the game.

“I wasn’t happy about the firsthalf, but in the second half with the adjustments, we changed our mentality, got more into the final third and were more aggressive in winning our duels and second balls.

“We just made it too easy for the opposition to come into the final third and give away the goal.

“We didn’t put enough emphasis in the final third, didn’t do enough and didn’t have enough presence.”

Paunovic’s team were dealt yet another significant injury blow prior to the match as Andy Yiadom, John Swift, Femi Azeez and Danny Drinkwater all missed out on the trip to the Hawthorns.

He continued: “That was one of the key reasons for our lack of attacking power.

“We missed important players. Four from the last game, Yiadom, Swift, Drinkwater and Azeez.

“And it just adds to our long list of injuries. The adjustments we needed to do were later in the week but I’m still happy with the guys who showed up and gave their best.

“We don’t know how long Swift will be out. He might be ready for Luton. It’s a soft tissue injury and a small grade so we expect he might be available.”

The defeat leaves Reading just two points above the relegation zone after Peterborough United closed the gap on the Royals with a win over Millwall.

“What I’m going to say is we will keep fighting and looking higher up on the table.

“That is where we have to project ourselves. There is no space or time for negativity nor am I going to answer this question now or in the future.

“We are where we are.

“We know why we are here and we are trying to fix it so we need positivity.”