Pedro Bruno, Reading FC Women's First Team Manager, praised his players for their strong mentality and performances after the team secured their first win of the season in a thrilling FA Cup tie.
Despite facing early challenges, including two league defeats, Pedro emphasised that the squad’s work ethic, youth, and potential are key ingredients that will help the team grow throughout the season.
Reflecting on his journey as a manager and the development of the team, the Boss acknowledged the responsibility that comes with managing at this level. However, he expressed excitement about the direction in which the team is heading, highlighting the importance of the squad’s mentality and leadership both on and off the pitch.
"Although this is my first role as a first-team manager, I’ve been managing in different environments for a while, and that experience has really helped me understand the demands of the job.
Each step along the way has prepared me for this role, from developing players individually to managing team dynamics. It’s exciting to finally take on a position at this level, and I’m enjoying the challenge.
There’s a lot of responsibility, not just in terms of tactics and performance, but in understanding the needs of each player and creating the right environment for them to thrive. The transition has been smooth so far, thanks to the support from the players and staff. I’m embracing the challenge and fully focused on continuing to grow with the team as we move forward.
Three games in, we're pleased with the progress the team is making, even though the results haven’t fully reflected our potential just yet.
The players are starting to adapt well to the style and philosophy we’re building, and their work ethic has been outstanding. We’ve had moments where our performances have shown real promise, but I know we still need to improve on consistency and cohesion across the 90 minutes.
The squad’s mentality has been strong, and we’ve been impressed by the leadership of key players such as our captain, Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins and Lauren Drewett, as well as the hunger across the youngsters in the group.
It’s early in the season, and with time, we're confident we’ll see these improvements translate into stronger results.
While the two losses might seem significant, the performances have shown some really promising signs that we can build on. We’re not using the fact that we have a young squad as an excuse—rather, we’re excited about it.
This younger group brings energy, potential, and ambition, and they can be the core foundation of our future. Mistakes are part of the learning process, but they also present opportunities for growth and maturity.
The important thing is that we’re already seeing key areas we can develop, and I’m confident that, as we continue to push forward, this squad will only get stronger and more cohesive as the season goes on.
We’re thrilled with the team’s performance yesterday. An away win is always special, and to get our first win of the season in the FA Cup makes it even sweeter.
It’s a fantastic moment for the players, especially for some who experienced their first-ever FA Cup victory. The team showed real character, and there were some standout moments that deserve recognition. Mia Bradley’s goal and her intervention in the second half were crucial for us, and Lily Brooke’s long-range screamer was something special—it’s the kind of goal you’d put up for a Puskas Award! It was a great all-around team effort, and I couldn’t be prouder of the group. We’ll take the confidence from this and keep building on it.
Yesterday showed us that we're definitely seeing more of what we want from the team.
We’re gradually building on our understanding of the tactics and how to execute them on the pitch. The players are becoming more confident in their roles, and it’s exciting to witness their growth both individually and as a unit.
Each game brings new lessons, and the improvement in our performances is evident. We believe we’re heading in the right direction, and as we continue to gel and develop our style, I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together.
I’d like to start by giving a special shout-out to my wife, who has been my number one supporter through these moments—her encouragement means the world to me.
As for the fans, their support has been nothing short of incredible, both at home and away. They create an amazing atmosphere that truly energizes the team and drives us forward. It’s evident how deeply they care about this club, and their unwavering commitment and passion inspire us to perform at our best.
Whether it’s through their chants, presence, or encouragement, they make a significant impact on our morale and determination. We’re incredibly grateful for their backing, and we understand the responsibility that comes with it. We’re committed to building a team that not only competes fiercely but also embodies the values and spirit of our supporters.
Together, we’ll strive to create memorable moments this season that reflect the love and dedication our fans show every match day."