Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic says he doesn’t "need" the fans to believe in him as supporter unrest grows amid a run of poor results on the pitch.

The Royals are now winless in their last seven Championship matches and have won just twice in their last 15 league games. 

Supporter ire has grown considerably and much of that has been directed towards the manager with one small group of fans even bringing a banner with the words “Clownovic Out” written on it to Saturday’s 4-3 defeat again Huddersfield Town.

But Paunovic, who is likely to see out the season before departing in the summer, remains bullish on his own ability and performance.

Reading Chronicle: One anti-Paunovic banner on Saturday. Image by: JasonPIXOne anti-Paunovic banner on Saturday. Image by: JasonPIX

“I don't want to say I'm ignoring that, I understand that,” he said in response to a question about whether he realises that many fans have lost faith in him. “I believe in me. I don't need anyone to believe in me or tell me that.

“I know what I am responsible for and I will continue doing that.”

When pressed on his future and whether he would consider resigning should results not improve, Paunovic refused to engage, saying: "You have to stop with this, you're not going to drag me there. Next question."

Reading head to QPR on Saturday with just a two-point cushion between themselves and the drop zone. Dreams of the playoffs have quickly turned to one aim: survival.

Reading Chronicle: Danny Drinkwater reacts after Reading concede against Huddersfield. Image by: JasonPIXDanny Drinkwater reacts after Reading concede against Huddersfield. Image by: JasonPIX

“It’s a warzone,” Paunovic said. “We are in a battle for every point and things around us are difficult. We want to fight and will continue fighting.

“In the last game, there were a lot of positives. We showed the spirit we need. It is tough and this month is difficult as I predicted but there is still one more game and we have to believe.

“We'll keep fighting. I'm looking forward to a massive, massive battle on Saturday against a very good team.”

QPR are currently sitting fourth in the Championship table, just four points adrift of the automatic promotion spots after winning four of their last five games.