Reading FC manager Veljko Paunović has spoken for the first time since being appointed as the new manager.

Paunović took his first training session with the first team at Bearwood on Tuesday morning, following a spell in quarantine.

Speaking to the club website, Paunović said the move to Reading is 'one of the most important' in his career to date.

The new manager said: "I was delighted with the possibility of coming to work in England and in the Championship with Reading from the very moment I heard of it.

"It is something which has been on my list of career goals for a long time now and this is a step that I believe is one of the most important in my career so far.

"It really is a pleasure to be here. I’m really pleased that this morning I was able to meet the guys, the whole Reading family down at the training ground.

"This sort of environment at Bearwood is something that every coach dreams about. Fantastic fields, fantastic set-up on-site and it is very picturesque."

On transfers, the new boss confirmed that the club will be looking to make additional signing ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.

"The team is not complete so we'll be looking to improve.

"We're looking for players who are enthusiastic, a good work ethic but definitely talent, talent and eagerness to give their very best from the very beginning to the team, the club and our community." The new boss also touched upon the challenges facing his side ahead of the new campaign, as well as expectations from the Reading fans.

"We start this season in unprecedented times and we have many challenges ahead.

"It’s very competitive. It’s demanding. It’s intense. Everything that is important for me. It matches my characteristics as a person and as a coach.

"That is what I want to teach and coach from the beginning.

"The work ethic, the quality of the work is important and all in a very detail-oriented and intense environment, where every day we want to excel and be at our best.

"That is the only way I see we can reach our goals, meet the demands of the game and the expectations of our fans.

"Our fans deserve to see that on the field – a team where everyone is on the same page, everyone wants to win, nobody gives up and every individual gives their best."