Veljko Paunovic in combat mode for Readings biggest game of the season
Reading manager Veljko Paunovic admits Friday’s Championship clash with Barnsley could be the club’s biggest game of the season.
The Royals currently sit sixth in the table, taking up what will be the last slot in the play-offs when the season comes to an end.
The side have not won in three games, however, and Paunovic is keen to rediscover their earlier form on return from the international break.
“Everyone’s aware of the situation,” he said at a pre-match press conference, as reported by GetReading.
“To be honest, it’s been a long break and we have to get back to fundamentals and combat mode – on Friday it’s a hard team and we are lifting our fitness levels, readiness and focus.”
When it was suggested this game is the most critical of the campaign thus far, the Serbian said: “I agree. We’re all aware of the moment ahead of us and what it means for the fans, the community and the club.
“Having two weeks to get ready for this challenge was a very helpful time, we focused in the last week towards building enthusiasm, momentum and the plan not only for Barnsley but all upcoming games.
“At this point, we have to embrace it and be at our best in the eight games to first secure play-offs and then we’ll talk about the rest.
“The situation we are in is down to fantastic application from the whole group for the whole season, now we have to convert it.
“At the same time I remind myself to keep my feet on the ground – we haven’t done anything yet.”
Barnsley were enjoying a 13-game unbeaten run before losing to Sheffield Wednesday last time out and will be looking to bounce back at Oakwell.
Elsewhere in the league, table-toppers Norwich take on out-of-form Preston, who have lost their last three matches to sit 16th and recently parted company with manager Alex Neil.
The Canaries, though, face a defensive injury crisis after Christoph Zimmerman joined Ben Gibson in being ruled out for the season.
Jacob Sorensen or Alexander Tettey could switch from midfield to cover but manager Daniel Farke told the club’s website: “We will find some solution and we will work on it – but we don’t just have to find a solution for tomorrow, we have to find a solution for the next six or seven games.”
Second-placed Watford host second-from-bottom Wednesday, who seem to be rallying somewhat after a seven-game losing run came to end with a draw against Huddersfield and a 2-1 win at Barnsley.
Manager Darren Moore told the club’s website: “Winning breeds confidence. I was pleased for the players that they felt the adulation of three points.
“Nothing is better for a professional when you earn three points and it’s a real tough game. But we know we have got another tough test tomorrow.”
Swansea face Birmingham and are looking to regain some form after losing their last two games, with seventh-placed Bournemouth facing ninth-placed Middlesbrough.
Stoke travel to Bristol City with last-placed Wycombe in action against Blackburn, who are without a win in four games.
Rotherham visit Millwall, whilst Derby will bid to end their seven-game winless spell against Luton and QPR host Coventry.
Also suffering a run of poor form are Nottingham Forest – they are without a win in six games as they take on Cardiff at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Barnsley vs Reading - Match Preview
Reading manager Veljko Paunovic admits Friday’s Championship clash with Barnsley could be the club’s biggest game of the season.
The Royals currently sit sixth in the table, taking up what will be the last slot in the play-offs when the season comes to an end.
The side have not won in three games, however, and Paunovic is keen to rediscover their earlier form on return from the international break.
“Everyone’s aware of the situation,” he said at a pre-match press conference, as reported by GetReading.
“To be honest, it’s been a long break and we have to get back to fundamentals and combat mode – on Friday it’s a hard team and we are lifting our fitness levels, readiness and focus.”
When it was suggested this game is the most critical of the campaign thus far, the Serbian said: “I agree. We’re all aware of the moment ahead of us and what it means for the fans, the community and the club.
“Having two weeks to get ready for this challenge was a very helpful time, we focused in the last week towards building enthusiasm, momentum and the plan not only for Barnsley but all upcoming games.
“At this point, we have to embrace it and be at our best in the eight games to first secure play-offs and then we’ll talk about the rest.
“The situation we are in is down to fantastic application from the whole group for the whole season, now we have to convert it.
“At the same time I remind myself to keep my feet on the ground – we haven’t done anything yet.”
Barnsley were enjoying a 13-game unbeaten run before losing to Sheffield Wednesday last time out and will be looking to bounce back at Oakwell.
Elsewhere in the league, table-toppers Norwich take on out-of-form Preston, who have lost their last three matches to sit 16th and recently parted company with manager Alex Neil.
The Canaries, though, face a defensive injury crisis after Christoph Zimmerman joined Ben Gibson in being ruled out for the season.
Jacob Sorensen or Alexander Tettey could switch from midfield to cover but manager Daniel Farke told the club’s website: “We will find some solution and we will work on it – but we don’t just have to find a solution for tomorrow, we have to find a solution for the next six or seven games.”
Second-placed Watford host second-from-bottom Wednesday, who seem to be rallying somewhat after a seven-game losing run came to end with a draw against Huddersfield and a 2-1 win at Barnsley.
Manager Darren Moore told the club’s website: “Winning breeds confidence. I was pleased for the players that they felt the adulation of three points.
“Nothing is better for a professional when you earn three points and it’s a real tough game. But we know we have got another tough test tomorrow.”
Swansea face Birmingham and are looking to regain some form after losing their last two games, with seventh-placed Bournemouth facing ninth-placed Middlesbrough.
Stoke travel to Bristol City with last-placed Wycombe in action against Blackburn, who are without a win in four games.
Rotherham visit Millwall, whilst Derby will bid to end their seven-game winless spell against Luton and QPR host Coventry.
Also suffering a run of poor form are Nottingham Forest – they are without a win in six games as they take on Cardiff at the Cardiff City Stadium.
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