Reading boss Kelly Chambers said her side have not been good enough so far this season, with the Royals propping up the Women's Super League table.
A heavy defeat to Manchester United opened the account before a controversial loss in Brighton was followed up with defeat to Spurs in the Conti Cup.
The only non-Premier League side in the top-flight of the women's game, Chambers is up against it but believes her team can do more than they have so far.
Speaking to the club during the international break, Chambers said: "Looking at each of our first three games, for one reason or another we’ve not been good enough from the first whistle. It’s taken us a while to get going, and has often lead us to going a goal behind which makes it really difficult, especially in this league as each side are of a really top level.
“In contrast, our second half performances I’m really proud of. We’ve been managing to really turn games in our favour by dictating a lot of the ball, giving us things to work on in training.
“There has been more energy, both in and out of possession, being first to pick up second balls and taking more care of the ball, preventing big gaps in our team to not invite the counter attack on ourselves."
Currently in the midst of a break for international fixtures, Chambers believes it could have come at a good time.
"I think the break also comes at the right time for us to properly evaluate the first few games, and touch wood everyone comes back in good condition following the international games and ready to go again."
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