The Royals were edged out 1-0 by NK Celje in their final friendly of a pre-season training camp in Slovenia, and we spoke with boss Brian McDermott after the final whistle.
Brian, your thoughts on the game?
It was a tough game, they are a side who are ready to play when their season starts next week. They are a top side, they have good facilities, they are very, very physical and overly so at times, and the referee probably needed to stamp down on it a little earlier than he did. He sent one off, there was a big melee at the end because Tabby was elbowed but having said all that you saw our spirit, we kept trying to get that goal, it didn't quite happen but we haven't lost any points tonight or gone out of any cups.
Everyone is disappointed to lose, but also pleased with effort that was put in.I am really disappointed to lose. The staff are disappointed, we're not used to losing and neither are the players. They kept going right to the end, you couldn't fault them for that and if you have players who give you everything, the fans will appreciate that and I certainly do.
We weren't clinical enough in front of goal, we should have had two or three goals and the game should have been done and dusted - but come August that will be spot on.
A couple of our young lads out wide really caused them problems late on.Yes, young Michail did some really good stuff, Hal Robson-Kanu did some good stuff and was kicked about seven times. Jake Taylor played at left back and I'll have to test him in another position again because that boy can play anywhere! He's 18 and you can see yourself he's got a good future. He's a lovely lad, he's been nicknamed Shorey because he's a bit like Nicky Shorey when he came here, low maintenance, good footballer and nothing fazes him.
Julian Kelly came off, how is he?I think he has a thigh problem, I don't know how long he will be, but he's upset. He feels it's one thing after another but these things happen in football and you have to deal with that, it's part and parcel of the job. In terms of the other lads, Noel and Grzegorz should be back soon and we'll have a nearly fully fit squad for the Wycombe game, where we'll go for the right result and right performance.
How do you reflect on the trip overall?It's been fantastic, great facilities, great spirit between players and staff. The organisation has been first class, you couldn't fault it. You could bring any Premier League side to this country and to these facilities with no problem.
