Reading FC interim manager has challenged his players to stay ‘cool and calm’ ahead of the Royals’ relegation clash away at Barnsley.
Despite the magnitude of Saturday’s game at Oakwell, Ince wants his players to remain focused on the task ahead with eight games remaining to maintain their status in the Championship.
“Whatever happens to Reading this year, it will not be based on what happens on Saturday,” said Ince.
“We’ve got another game on Tuesday and we’ve still got plenty of games to play.
“Every game we play is going to be a big game.
“They are all big games. We’ve got to be calm and cool. If they beat us, then we’re still two points clear.
“If we get a result, it keeps them away from us but it’s not just them.
“We’ve got to just look at us, focus on our performance and what we do.
“If we perform like we did against Bournemouth and Blackburn, we’ll be okay but if we don’t, then we will get beat, it’s as simple as that.
“If we can get a win, then great, but if we don’t, then we go again on Tuesday and then again on Saturday with two home games.
“You can’t start guessing results, the Championship doesn’t work like that.
“So I’ll say to the players, be cool, be calm and enjoy the challenge. Go and play and express yourself. Just play and relax.
“We’re in a good frame of mind.
“It’s not all on Barnsley. It’s another game and a chance of picking up three points.”
Despite the improved form of picking up four points from AFC Bournemouth and Blackburn Rovers prior to the international break, Ince reiterated there is still plenty to improve upon.
He continued: “Everyone thinks because you’ve had one good week that everything is okay. But it’s not.
“There are a lot of things that we can do better and must do better.
“The lads have been brilliant and have been trying to do what we’ve asked of them.
“The belief is there from the players. It’s all about the players and the fans.
“Baba (Rahman) is back training and has done everything he can at Chelsea and they sent him back to us this week.
“He’s one that we’ve missed. It’s great to have him back, he’s a great character and a very good player.”
