‘There were a few home truths told’ – QPR players held meeting before Reading game

QPR manager Steve McClaren says a frank exchange of views between his players led to an improved display during their deserved 1-0 win at Reading.

Rangers skipper Toni Leistner grabbed the winner in the 64th minute – his first goal for the club – after a melee in the home area.

Rangers lost 3-0 at Swansea in their previous fixture, which prompted the players’ meeting.

“We were very disappointed at Swansea, it was never a 3-0 game,” McClaren said.

“The players knew that, but you still have to go out and prove it. And they did that. Credit to them.

“They got together [after the Swansea defeat], we all did. And there were a few home truths told. The players sorted it out and they were ready to play.

“I said that the first 10 minutes were going to be huge for us and that was so important.

“We were so good in those 10 minutes in terms of the aggression that we showed, our courage to play and our control in possession.

“It’s a small step and we’ve got to take another one on Saturday [at home to Derby].

“With our opportunities, we were disappointed that it was still 0-0 at half-time.

“These games are normally won at set-pieces and we eventually got there.

“It takes a certain character and resilience to win away from home and I think the players have now demonstrated that.”

Reading have now lost five of their six home league matches this season.

“I’m not happy with the performance, even if we had nicked a draw at the end,” Paul Clement, the Reading manager, said.