Federici issues Reading FC ultimatum
Anthony Smith • Published 16 Sep 2011 09:30
1 Comment
ADAM Federici has sent a stern warning to his Reading team-mates by declaring: 'Stand up and be counted.'
Royals plunged into the Championship relegation zone last weekend after a woeful 2-0 home defeat to lowly Watford.
Brian McDermott's men have now lost five games in a row and look a shadow of the side that reached a Wembley play-off final less than four months ago.
And Federici knows they must quickly stop the rot and ease the pressure that is building among increasingly restless fans.
Royals' keeper declared: "There's pressure on every game to win and we have to put pressure on ourselves to perform to our best.
"But that's down to individuals and we've got to step up.
"We need big characters and we need to work hard in training. We need to get back to basics. We need people to stand up and say 'this is going to be my day' and push the team forward.
"The side picked itself last season. Now we've got a lot of squad players and it doesn't pick itself any more. But it's a good opportunity for every player now."
Reading may not get a better chance to reignite their season than this Saturday when they host Doncaster Rovers at Madejski Stadium (3pm ko).
Rock-bottom Donny have lost five of their six Championship matches and are the only team beneath McDermott's men in the table.
"It's been very disappointing," added Federici. "We've got a lot of quality in the squad but we're not showing it at the minute.
"It's a long season and I'm sure we'll fix things. I'm really looking forward to going out there on Saturday and putting things right, that's how everyone should be looking at it.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for anyone in the squad to put their hand up and say 'I'm going to be the hero this week.'"
Reading are yet to win at home this season following the draw with Millwall and back-to-back defeats to Barnsley and Watford.
To add to their woes, McDermott claimed he sensed 'fear' in his players during last weekend's depressing display against Watford.
But Federici insisted: "Everyone should be looking forward to Saturday. There shouldn't be any fear.
"We need someone to put their hand up whether that's in defence or scoring goals.
"All we can do is work hard, look forward to Saturday and don't fear it. I can't speak for everyone but there shouldn't be fear. We should enjoy these situations and look forward to the game.
"It's a chance for players to show they are big characters."
He also argued: "There's no getting away from it, we've had a poor start. But there's a long way to go and we came good last season in February.
"Hopefully we can put some points on the board soon and correct what's been happening the past couple of weeks.
"Doncaster have had a bad start as well but they play some good football. It's going to be a tight game but it's nothing we should be scared of."
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 15 Sep 11
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LoyalRoyal
13 posts
Sep 16, 20:10
Report commentCome on URZ. We're all behind you and just try and get to the other end of the table.
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