Harris post-Reading | We can’t concede poor goals
READING REACTION | HARRIS
The Bluebirds fell to a 2-1 defeat against league leaders Reading at Cardiff City Stadium, with Lee Tomlin’s late strike not enough to spark a City comeback.
After the match, manager Neil Harris spoke to the press and media, expressing his frustration at the result.
“It’s hugely disappointing.” Neil began. “To build a platform for a top six challenge, you need to be resolute at home. The frustrating thing for me is that we’ve conceded four goals in two home games. Against Sheffield Wednesday, we gave the ball away cheaply in the middle of the pitch and got punished. The second goal was a set play, a free kick. Today, we conceded two very similar goals. That’s what hurts the most.
“It’s another game where we’re the better team and created the better chances. We got into the best areas, put the best balls into the box, and moved the ball better than them. But we’ve lost the game, and that’s the frustration.”
Despite the disappointing defeat against the Royals, Harris praised his side for their effort and application throughout the match.
“The forward runs and passes weren’t an issue today. The quality in the final third can always be better, but I thought we passed the ball very well, and we looked the better team in the final third when Lee Tomlin came on and gave us that creative spark.
“The effort is there, and the majority of today was really good. Training has been fantastic, as was last weekend at Forest. The players know exactly how we want to play, and they showed it a lot today. But, if we want to be a top six side, we’ve got to stop giving away poor goals.”
Finally, the boss provided an update on duo Joe Bennett and Joe Ralls, both of whom missed today’s fixture through injury.
“Joe Bennett went down last weekend at Forest with ten minutes to go, but we’re hoping to have him back in training this week. Joe Ralls hasn’t recovered from that game also. He is making progress, and again we are fully hoping to have him on the training pitch this week.”
Neil Harris' full press conference is now available to view on Cardiff City TV.
