Reading FC interim manager Paul Ince says his team needs to become ‘mentally tough out of possession’ as they continue their fight for Championship survival.
Ince took his first week of uninterrupted training having managed the team to a win over Birmingham City and a defeat away at Blackpool in his first two games in charge.
“The first five or six days were hectic with the Birmingham game on Tuesday and the Blackpool game so it was good to get on the ground,” said Ince.
“We’ve got a lot of things to work on in a small space of time.
“One of those being our structure and shape, what we do out of possession and how we can effect teams and get results in possession.
“We’ve got to learn to be mentally tough out of possession.
“Sometimes as soon as we lose the ball we are so out of shape, there are so many gaps and we get counter attacked and teams look like they’re going to score.”
The former England international says he is feeling positive ahead of the Royals’ Championship clash against Millwall at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday.
He continued: “We did a double session on Wednesday which was great and the lads got a lot out of it.
“It’s been a good week and I’m feeling very positive.
“I don’t want the next 12 games that I’m in charge to be basketball matches where we attack, and they attack. It’ll give me a heart attack.
“It’s great that we play entertaining football but we’re in a situation where we need to get some wins.
“You’ve got to put some discipline into them as far as shape when we’re out of possession.
“We have had a few hours on the training ground and we’ve got a lot more hours to do.
“It’s good that we’ve got another week before the Nottingham Forest game to do some more and then an international break after Blackburn to do some more.
“I don’t want to stop the other side of the game where we do get it and need to attack teams and try to win the game.
“We know where we are and know it’s going to be tough. We know it’s going to go to the wire.”
The Royals boss also gave an injury update on Scott Dann, Tom Holmes and Josh Laurent.
“Scott has been training this week. He trained last week. Obviously he hasn’t played for six or seven weeks but he’s coming back into the frame which is a big bonus for us.
“He’s so important for us not just in the way he plays but his leadership qualities.
“He might be ok for the bench on Saturday but he’s pushing for a start that’s for sure, maybe next week or the week after.
“Tom Holmes trained today so he looks ok. He’ll be in contention for Saturday.
“We’ve got to be careful with Josh. He’s a bit of a way off yet so probably two or three weeks probably.”
