Pauno explains where our efforts have been aimed during this international break
The international interruption has allowed for rest and recuperation and the recharging of some batteries. But the size of the challenge ahead as we go straight into a three-game week in the cut and thrust of the Championship is not being underestimated.
“The focus during these two weeks has been mostly to recover people and to rest – active recuperation.
“We have looked to give players time to do whatever is necessary to be at their best, so they can get in shape to start working again – getting sharp and working on our way of playing.
“It has been a good couple of weeks for us, at the right moment. We made the most of this time to bring the team together and get the spirit back again – and to work on all the things that we need to, ahead of these three very difficult weeks ahead.
“After a difficult and hectic two months at the start of this season, we have been able to get some very good results and get the confidence that we needed to grow back the spirit that you need to play in this very hard league.
“The team is in a different moment now compared to the previous international break – that is what we were looking for. We’ve been in a process of building the team again and recovering our identity and character. We brought all those pieces back.
“Now we have to continue on this line of work and the line of how we compete and our attitude, and the work on and off the field.
“But it has been good to have this time – there is always something to do, something to improve.”
Barnsley, then Blackpool, then a long trip to Blackburn…the start of six games in the space of three weeks before the next international break. And with the injury list still lengthy, this is going to take another mammoth effort from the Royals squad.
“Behind the good performances is the great work from a great group,” Pauno continued.
“We created a great atmosphere and the new players who have arrived have brought something different to the group. They came here with confidence and now we are raising the bar with our everyday work.
“As we get towards the end of the week, we want to be at our best capacity. That is how we have channelled our approach and work with the group.
“From previous experiences, we know what we can expect of the Championship. We have our approach and our plan.
“We are doing well so far but we need to keep assessing and reassessing what we are doing, so that we can do our best.
“This next three weeks are going to be challenging and demanding. We have spent the past two weeks getting ready for that, are we will move forward in that direction.”