Now we meet again on Madejski turf. After two bruising encounters against Wycombe and Rotherham, it could be a totally different type of affair against Rovers; Reading boss Veljko Paunović discussed the spectrum of approaches that the Championship offers.
“It’s going to be another great game,” he said. “It will be a fantastic opportunity for us to build our momentum against a great team, like we did earlier this season.
“The diversity and the styles that every team plays and applies in their games are unique in this league.
“This is what makes it so interesting, and such an enriching experience for all of us coaches and players, and everyone who participates here. That’s a great fact.
“On the other side, we have our tools and our own weapons to play against every team. We have proved that this season many times, so we will prepare again to be competitive and to push towards our goals.”
But there isn’t long to prepare for it. Preparation has to be squeezed into this short window – and at this stage of the season, results are especially vital.
“It’s a big task for our mentality and the culture we are building at the club,” continued Pauno. “We are trying to forge the culture of a mentality where when you have a game to win, you win it.
“You do your homework. You do your job. And you execute it. Then you move to the next one. This is what differentiates teams who have success come the end of the season and those who lament.
“With two home games this week it’s a great opportunity. But one game at a time. There are 13 games left, we can’t rush ahead before we are ready.
“The most important thing for us is the execution of a very simplistic plan. Recover, replenish, prepare, train and compete. These five things we have to fit into two days.”