Published: Thursday, 17th July, 2008 09:00
`Complacency will cost us.'
By Anthony Smith
Comments (0)
Print Article
I'm watching: Steve Coppell will continue to assess his players over the pre-season campaign.
READING will “pay the price” if they under-estimate Milton Keynes Dons in Saturday’s friendly clash at stadium:mk (3pm ko).
Royals boss Steve Coppell is warning that Roberto Di Matteo’s League One newcomers are capable of delivering a serious blow to his pre-season preparations.
Though rookie manager Di Matteo has had little time to stamp his mark on the team, his players will be desperate to impress their new boss.
And what better way to make an impression than to claim a former Premier League scalp?
Coppell said: “It’s a steady progression and another step up. Having got promotion they’ll be a good test for us and I expect a difficult game.
“They’ll be looking forward to a new competition this season and they have a new manager who will probably want to stamp his mark on things.
“I don’t know Roberto Di Mateo but it’s an interesting appointment. At the end of the day he’s inherited a very successful team. I don’t think he’ll need to clear the decks and rebuild or anything.
“I saw them play a couple of times last season. They have a lot of talent and we’ll be wary of them.”
And he added: “It’s a friendly but it’s going to be a proper game against very good opposition who will be desperate to impress the new manager.
If we don’t give them the respect they deserve we will pay the price.
“We’ve still got some way to go before the season starts but it’s psychologically important to win games and play well.”
Coppell continues to work with his squad knowing several of his biggest stars could move on before their Championship season begins on August 10.
So far he has chopped and changed his teams in friendly games but Saturday should give an early insight into what his side could be for the season opener at Nottingham Forest.
Dave Kitson will come back into contention after missing Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Forest Green with a cold and the likes of James Harper, Nicky Shorey, Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt may all be involved despite widespread speculation surrounding their futures.
Then on Monday Coppell will name his 20-man squad for Reading’s week-long tour to Sweden and any obvious omissions are certain to send the rumour mill into overdrive.
Reading’s fist two games in Scandinavia are against lower-league clubs FC Trollhattan (Thursday) and Lerkils IF but their third is against top-flight side, Halmstads.
“We’re following a similar pattern to our previous Sweden trips,” said Coppell. “It fits our schedule well and we’ll be making tough, physical demands of the players when we get out there.
“The first two friendlies will build up to the game against Halmstads who are a very good side.”
But he added: “It is still part of our fitness regime. Whilst results matter, they are not so important. We don’t want players stretching themselves beyond their limits when there are a few weeks to go before the start of the season.”
Meanwhile, Hunt was due to earn his first pre-season outing at Havant and Waterlooville last night.
The Republic of Ireland winger, linked with a £5 million move to Sunderland, enjoyed an extended summer break due to his international commitments.
Marek Matejovsky is also recovering well from a knee ligament injury and should be fit in time for Reading’s opening game of the Championship season at Nottingham Forest.
But the Czech midfielder is likely to miss the trip to Sweden in order to step up his rehab.
“He’s progressing well and we’re confident for the start of the season,” said physio Jon Fearn.
“He’s looking good but Sweden might be too early.”
KEVIN Doyle scored the only goal as Reading clinched a scrappy 1-0 victory over non-league Havant and Waterlooville on Wednesday night.
The Republic of Ireland striker netted from close range in the 59th minute of a largely forgettable friendly at Westleigh Park.
Further Details
