Jose Gomes On “Very Good Spirit” Following Preston Win

Jose Gomes is increasingly becoming a fans favourite at the Madejski Stadium thanks to another superb win, this time against play-off chasing Preston.

The victory means that the Royals picked up 10 points out of a possible 15 in March, and Gomes’ positivity is obviously having a huge affect on the squad as as it seems as though the players are enjoying their football again. The relationship between the management, players and fans is back!

Thanks to results going our way on Saturday, we’re now up to 19th in the Championship table. Rotherham still occupy 22nd position after a 6-1 defeat against Derby.

Here is what Jose Gomes had to say after the victory, he spoke to the official club website and Football.London.

Gomes on the the victory

“I’m very satisfied with my players - they really followed the plan from the beginning. We cannot forget that in the last 12 games, Preston did not lose. In their last six away games they won all six. So the results they have been getting spoke for themselves.

”They are a very tough team and my players they did very well. It was a very important three points for us and we deserved it. But we know that we are in the middle of a very big fight...until the end.”

Gomes on the performance

“We scored two goals in the first half but we were very solid as a team throughout, our players defensively were almost perfect. We attacked with a lot of danger - in the first half we could have scored another goal from a very good shot from Ovie.

”You cannot forget the number of points we have lost with goals conceded in the last five minutes of games, so I decided to protect the team, to block the result and to keep the three points with us; we changed the system in the second half.

”We conceded a bit of space in the centre of the pitch as a result and they were using this space to get balls into the box. So I changed to put Ovie in front of Baker and Andy and we reduced that space and created some dangerous counter attacks.

”And in the end we got the win and three points we needed. However, we still have a long way in front of us. Now, seven games remain, and we have to prepare for the next one, a tough trip to Hull next weekend.”

Gomes on Rinomhota’s return

“For managers it’s always important to count with all the players and if some stay out it should be because of options, not injuries. When we have a lot of injured players it can be a problem.

“Andy returned very well. He has energy and always gives a big boost when he’s ready and not feeling any pain.”

Gomes on breathing space in the relegation battle

“We can’t think like that. We know we must prepare very well for the next game and try to win it.

“We cannot - even for one second - think it’s already finished and we can breathe and relax. It’s a big and tough fight until the end of the season.”

Gomes on our poor finishing

“The first shot from Ejaria led to a very good save. He got another chance in the second half but he didn’t touch the ball.

“And some decisions before shooting - Ejaria, McCleary - the last pass or last touch. They did well though and the way they fought they deserved the three points.”

Gomes on Mo Barrow

“He is a very fast player with very good technical ability. He has already scored important goals for us since I arrived.

“He is very useful when he uses this technical ability and speed. The way he can smell the goal - when he uses this for the team he is a great player. I think we can take more from him.”

Gomes on confidence

“We’ve been working on it since I arrived. There is a very good spirit and dynamic between all the players. A strong energy too, even in the hard and tough training sessions.

“They are doing very difficult things in training and when you do them successfully this gives them confidence.”

Gomes on Oliveira being back on the bench

“Before the game I hoped we wouldn’t have to use him. I didn’t want to use him because he has just come back and started training.

“He is very strong mentally and he wants to help the team. For everything he has suffered this season, he deserved to be on the bench.

“I know if we need him he could give us a proper answer. Now we have one more week to work with him and for sure he will be better next Saturday than today.

“After, it’s a technical decision depending on how he is feeling. He’s as crazy as me so I think he will be able to play but we’ll see.”