After a highly eventful but desperately disappointing defeat at Loftus Road, manager Brendan Rodgers faced up to the reality of the Royals' current form and quest for results.

"I'm probably the most disappointed I've ever been in football," he began his post-match press conference.

"As the leader of the team, I've got to reflect on what is happening. The emotion of it is very, very tough right now.

"I went into the job at Watford and that was a tough job. This is proving tougher.

"We seem to start games OK - and we started well tonight. But the confidence isn't there and it quickly disappears when we have a setback.

"There are good lads here, good honest pros. But it's about quality. And if I look at the quality in that final third we need to be better.

"When you're scoring goals and creating lots of chances, that provides confidence throughout the team. At the moment, everyone's relying on the defenders to defend. We rarely look like scoring...and that's just a case of quality.

"We need to sit down and have a look at where we're at. And that includes me as well - I don't back away from that.

"I have an inherent belief in how I work and what I do - the guys love their work, we work well together.

"All the facts and stats are showing that we are working harder, running further, playing at a higher intensity than the opposition. But taking it onto the pitch is when it comes down to quality. And that's lacking in our game right now."

The fans's desire for results was clear for all to see after a crazy night in West London that included two red cards and five goals. And Rodgers fully understands their feelings.

"Every manager wants to be supported by the fans, and tonight will be very disappointing for them. I can understand how they feel, I'm sure our supporters are split. They can see the problems, they want to support the club, and most know that it will take a bit of time.

"There are others that want to get in the Premier League right now - and that's the reality of it.

"But there's nobody more determined than me to make it right and I can't afford to let it affect me.

"I don't feel pressure in the job - but that doesn't mean that I don't worry and I don't care.

"I feel I am the best man to take us forward. I know that management is often about perseverence and determination - two of my biggest attributes.

"I never get too carried away when we win, or too disappointed when we lose. But tonight is probably the most disappointing night I've been involved in in football.

"I will fight for my life to turn it around."

And turn it around Reading want to do quickly - starting at home to Leicester City next Monday evening.

"I've only been in this division for a short period of time, but I was in a much greater fear of relegation at Watford and we turned it around. You look to the mentality of the team and the characters in the squad.

"I want the best for this club, football is my passion and I love it. And I'm very passionate about this club.

"So if it's a problem with me, then we get it out and I go. But, I feel I'm the best man for this job.

"I like to give people a chance, in life people need an opportunity. I've given the players here that opportunity in 13 games - but I've seen it clearer in the last two games that we need more quality in the squad.

"It's very early on - there's no talk of relegation or anything like that. I'm solely concerned with getting a good run together as soon as possible to move up the league. And for that we need more players of quality.

"I'm very passionate about my work here and I will continue to give my life to turn around what has been an horrendous start.

"I'm up there as one of the biggest supporters of this club. So I'm probably even more determined now than I was when I arrived.

"We must continue to fight. We don't want to become disconnected as a club.

"I would hate it if the supporters feel they don't have a connection with the club and the manager. We must stay as one, fight through it and have a one club mentality.

"When we come through the other side, that will make it even better. But we have to fight together, support each other."