Paul Clement On A Fair Point At Wigan

The Royals were back in action after the international break and, after the big news that broke from the club earlier on in the week, a win was important to carry on the positive mood. It finished 0-0 against Wigan Athletic, but there were positives from the afternoon at the DW Stadium. Danny Loader made his league debut, we picked up a clean sheet and took home a point which leaves us 20th.

Here is what Paul Clement told the official club website and Football.London.

Clement on the performance

“I thought it was a good game for a 0-0 - both teams going at it and trying to get the right result for their side. Our performance was very committed. It was only our second clean sheet of the season and it came away from home, which is very positive.

“Although they had a couple of good chances and got quite a few crosses into our box, I thought we finished the stronger side. And if anyone was going to nick it, I think we looked the most likely.”

Clement on playing a new system

“We did something a bit different with our system today. It should that we could really cause the opposition problems, but it did have some weaknesses that they did expose. No system is perfect they all have their strengths and weaknesses.

“But I was pleased with the players and the way that they took on the board the points that we made during the week. And although we don’t feel elated, because we didn’t win the game, we do feel satisfied with the effort and commitment that was put in and we got a deserved point away from home.”

Clement on Sone Aluko starting

“He deserved an opportunity just from his professionalism and how he’s got his head down and continued.

“The same with Gunter and I thought the system suited those players. But all the subs did well when they came on. They were focused and they made us better because they were fresh and concentrated.

Clement on Sam Baldock and Modou Barrow’s absences

“He has a hamstring issue - it’s not serious. It might go to three games but hopefully it’ll only be two. He is running already so hopefully it’ll be a quick turnaround.

“Mo Barrow is very doubtful for Tuesday at Leeds.”

Clement on squad morale

“We would have been really disappointed if we had lost the game. We didn’t win so we won’t get too excited. We’ll train on Sunday morning and Monday and then focus on the next game.”

Clement on the current injury list

“I do have options - you only need to look at the bench to see any of them could have been in the starting side. That’s what I now have to consider going into the next game.”

Clement on the unbeaten run

“We want to try and win every game. It you don’t win then don’t lose. That’s even more beneficial away from home. It’s a satisfactory record and it’s better than runs in previous months.”

Clement on Danny Loader

“He’s deservedly got his chance based on what he’s done with the U23s and the way he’s trained. When he went on he understood absolutely what he needed to do. He looked comfortable, showed his quality and he’s an exciting prospect for the future of the club.

“We’ll give him all the help we can to try and develop him and it’ll be down to him to take that opportunity. If he’s good enough and takes his chances then he’ll be ready to start games.”

Clement on Conor Lawless travelling with the squad

“He’s a good player and has been training with us. He’s a good prospect. I could have brought a couple of older players like Ryan East but it’s better for him to play so he did last night.

“But we brought Conor so it’s not a shock to him when he does step up. He can smell the dressing room and can be involved so he’s good to have around.”