Jose Gomes Praises Defence In Huddersfield Town Win

What a six days it has been for the Royals, ending the week with a fantastic three points against Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium.

It’s fair to say that the Terriers had control in the first half, but as we know, possession doesn’t win you games. Reading came out much better in the second half and Ovie Ejaria scored his second of the week to put us ahead, before Michael Morrison made it two to get our first away win of the season.

Manager Jose Gomes was absolutely delighted with the points, he spoke to the official club website and GetReading after the game.

Gomes on the victory

“A very good result at the end of a very good week. Seven points in six days against two teams who were playing Premier League football last season and West Bromwich Albion who came close to playing Premier League football this season.

”And we have done very well against some very strong sides. After a fantastic win, we first have to talk about the defending - very strong and we didn’t let the spaces open even when they had more ball possession in the first half.

”We didn’t control the first half with the ball but we controlled the spaces and we gave them no chances to find a way to our goal. When we attacked in the first half, we could have been more patient or at least use the space that Huddersfield was giving to us. Offensively the first half wasn’t our strong point.

”But the second half was different, we controlled the game for longer periods and we found the way to their goal to create opportunities.”

Gomes on a positive week

“I’m happy with my players at the end of a tough week. My players were brave and fought well even through they were tired in high temperatures here. So they deserved the three points.

”It was a very positive week but it’s part of the past now. We must keep our feet on the land. We have 41 games remaining, more games than most leagues in Europe have in total. My players are giving me a lot of positive signs. But it’s a long season. And we must make sure the players keep the focus.”

Gomes on Tom McIntyre’s performance

“As a coach I always look for the mistakes - he made one but did a lot of good things as well. He is a kid with a great capacity and is a great talent. He is very tough and he already showed in pre-season we can count on him.”

Gomes on Matt Miazga’s injury

“I don’t think it is anything serious. He felt cramp in his muscle and felt if he went on then he might do something serious.”

Gomes on keeping grounded

“There is still a long time to go, now we must rest and I must now think about the best options for the Plymouth game. The truth is the players are tired and we need to rest. I must decide whether to play them or change the team for Tuesday.

“We have 41 games to go - and with cup games too - and 41 is more than the majority of leagues in Europe. It’s a fantastic competition.”

Gomes on Ejaria’s display

“He scored again just when we were changing the team. We started holding the ball in the offensive part of the midfield and he did a great action again. He believed it was possible to score and hopefully he can go on scoring.

“He had cramp in his hamstring just before the goal and I was talking with the physio and staff to see if we should change him or not. It was a risk allowing him to continue but they said he could go on. I waited a bit on the change and it was good that I did because he scored.”

Gomes on Morrison’s defensive performance

“He did very well - as did the other centre-backs. They were brave - McIntyre did well and Moore defended the ball in a dangerous moment. I’m very happy with them.”

Gomes on the Royals now up to 11th in the table

“We’ve only played five games so we’re at the beginning. We have 41 games in front of us so it’s step by step; we must be realistic and we understand the enthusiastic way everybody is living this moment but the important thing is the end of the league.

“A lot of things can happen in the remaining 41 games and my mission is to help the players keep focused and make sure they get better and better.”