Rubén’s reaction to cup exit in Eastleigh
We thought we’d done enough to get back on terms and earn a replay. And we looked in good shape to go on and get the winner. And yet it was the hosts who snatched a late winner. An agonising afternoon in Eastleigh.
Late disappointment for manager Rubén Sellés – and everyone with a Reading connection.
“We cannot go with this feeling,” Rubén said. “It’s a cup match – we went down in the first half, we managed to come back, we created situations to score the second. We didn’t score it, and when you’re in that position when you’re on top but don’t score… it is disappointing.
“We have a squad that can compete. Some of the players who have been playing well in League One recently came on today and changed the game in our favour. That’s what we needed but, it was not enough.
“We have made changes to the team before – we went and beat Millwall, we were competitive against Ipswich, and we have been the best team in the EFL Trophy group stage. So there is no regret in making changes – this is how we do things.
“Now we need to think about what went wrong today and what we can do better. Then to field a team that can compete against Charlton that is fresh for that game.”
And he reserved praise for the hosts in their victory, and most importantly, for those Royals supporters who travelled to the Silverlake Stadium in hope of more.
“I want to congratulate Eastleigh,” he continued. “They played their game; they were strong in the aerial duels in the second action, their striker has been doing this for their entire season and they showed what they are capable of. So I want to wish them all the best.
“We didn’t give the fans anything for all the support that they showed us. They keep the faith and keep supporting the boys. So I am very thankful for that.”