The Royals suffered a disappointing afternoon on the road as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against bottom-of-the-table Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
Scott Hogan scored the only goal of the game to condemn Reading to defeat on Leam Richardson’s return to his former club.
Following the final whistle, Richardson spoke to Royals TV to share his thoughts on the performance.
Richardson on the defeat
“We started slowly, which is what we spoke about. Coming to a place against a team who lacked confidence a little bit, we wanted to start the
game fast, so credit to Wigan.
“But then I thought we grew into the game. I thought we finished the first half really well and probably didn’t need half-time at that moment.
“I thought we had a couple of really good chances to go in at half-time one, possibly two-nil up.
“Second half, once they get a goal in front, it’s a poor goal from our part, a really poor goal from our part. It’s something we speak about, that transition moment.
“I feel we had enough moments within the game. We’ve got enough goals on the pitch and probably missed three or four big chances, but it wasn’t to be.
“Congratulations to Wigan, but we’ll certainly move on to a big week with two home games.”
Richardson on the importance of getting the first goal
“You felt if we’d have scored first, we’d have got the momentum.
“Could the lads give any more? You could see the endeavour. You could see how much they were willing to put themselves in those spaces.
“We finished the game taking chances, moving people up to try and get that equaliser and possibly a winner after it, but it wasn’t to be.
“In the balance of play, we had enough moments, probably 17 or 18 shots away from home and three or four big chances, but it wasn’t to be today.”
Richardson on performances not being reflected in results
“If you have consistency in your performances, consistency in the stats, which means momentum in games, certain control and certain moments within games, you always get what you deserve in a season.
“Today’s a disappointing day because we’ve lost a game of football.
“We wanted to build on last week, such a strong performance and strong result, but we’ve got a chance.
“Football always gives you a really good opportunity. When you win games, there’s a game around the corner. When you lose a game after a negative result, there’s a game around the corner, which is Wednesday.”
On Benn Ward’s absence through injury
“Benn’s been struggling for a while with his groin and pelvis, so he’s been playing with injections.
“He pulled out late yesterday, so it was a bit of a quick change, but that’s what you’ve got a squad for.
“He’s been playing well, one of our consistent performers, but I thought the lads today, again, decision-making sometimes can be better, but overall, the endeavour was there and we tried our best.”
Richardson on two upcoming home games
“That’s what football gives you. We’ll be disappointed today and we’ll have a long trip back down to Reading, but we’ll certainly make sure we dust ourselves down quickly because you’ve got to do that.
“There’s 40-plus games, 50 or 60 games within the season with cup competitions as well.
“We won’t get as high as last week and we certainly won’t get as low this week.
“We’ll try and stay consistent with how we are, how we evolve ourselves and with our training habits, going into Wednesday full of confidence, hopefully, and getting a good, strong result.”
Richardson on keeping the players grounded after wins and defeats
“Of course, you’ve got to try and stay consistent with it.
“It’s the old adage in football, isn’t it? You can’t get too high when you win and you can’t get too low when you lose or get a negative result.
“You’ve got to fulfil certain things. You’ve got to make sure performances stay at a really good level.
“And, like I say, we’ve got to be better in certain moments than we were today.”
Richardson on the fans
“You can see how much they stuck with us through the game.
“A bit of disappointment after the game, which is normal, but I’m sure even from the stands they can see how much effort and endeavour the players are giving at the minute.
“It certainly wasn’t for a lack of effort or anything else today. Decision-making could be a bit better in certain moments.
“But we always thank them because it doesn’t go unnoticed, it doesn’t go undervalued.
“We always need them and we’ll need them Wednesday and Saturday this week.”
