Jose Gomes: It’s A Very Good Sign We Feel Frustrated

A trip to West Brom in the past would have haunted Reading fans, but the Royals put in a superb display against the Baggies and were unlucky to not leave with three points.

The game ended 1-1, which was probably a fair result overall, but they can probably feel that they could have held on for all three points after Ovie Ejaria put the Royals ahead. Ejaria unfortunately gave away a penalty at the other end to allow West Brom to equalise late on.

With so many positives to take forward to Huddersfield on Saturday, here is what Jose Gomes had to say after the game, he spoke to GetReading,

Gomes on the point

“It’s a very good sign we feel frustrated and disappointed to only get a point. It means we could have won and were very near to doing so. In some moments of the game they were better than us - they controlled the ball more than us.

“They have some very good players with technical ability. They can create a lot of danger out of our box but we didn’t allow them to find the way to our goal.

“We defended really well. They passed our midfielders’ line once or twice but they couldn’t pass our defensive line. I’m very happy with my players for the way they defended and the brave spirit they showed.

“We must keep the ball more to create more chances but I think it will be very difficult for teams to beat West Brom this year.”

Gomes on Ovie Ejaria’s performance

“He showed last season he is a great talent and he can even improve his performance. There are some details of his game which he can improve. I spoke to him during the week about his game and in my opinion if he plays like he does and he shoots more then his level will improve a lot.

“He tried in the first half here but it wasn’t a very strong shot. But in the second he did a great goal. If you don’t shoot it’s difficult to score so you must shoot.”

Gomes on Lucas Boye’s performance

“He helps a lot - it’s tough for a striker when the manager asks him to defend so much.

“His effort was all for the team - everything he did.

“After I decided to change him because I wanted us to hold the ball up more.”

Gomes on West Brom’s penalty

“It was a pity in the end. From the bench it looked like Ovie’s right foot touched the ball first but that’s football.”

Gomes on the quick turnaround of games

“It’s tough but the schedule is like that. We must prepare and recover.”

Gomes on picking up four points in two games

“We must keep this average - it’s a nice average.”

Gomes on the team becoming his own

“They are showing they know each other better and better, week by week.

“Defensively we showed we are very strong - we just need to keep this spirit and organisation.

“Playing like we are playing we will get a lot of victories to achieve the target we want.”

Gomes on the change in formation

“If you don’t concede goals you get more confidence and show what you can do offensively because if you just start thinking in our offensive organisation and giving spaces to the opponent and after you concede goals, even if you put in the defensive process and you concede goals it doesn’t count.

“So we need to protect our goal and start building up from there.”