Jose Gomes says his side looked scared to play as they lost 2-1 at Derby County.
Seeking back-to-back victories for the first time in over a year following the win over Nottingham Forest last time out, Reading started poorly and trailed 2-0 at half-time through Duane Holmes and Harry Wilson strikes.
The Royals improved after the restart, pulling a goal back through substitute Sone Aluko, but could not find an equaliser as they stay 22nd in the Championship table, two points from safety.
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“We must start playing like we train, not being afraid of our opponent,” said manager Gomes.
“We started playing the game out of our process with long balls. We train daily starting with our goalkeeper and trying to create goal situations from the back, but the players showed they were a bit scared at the beginning of the game.
“We gave the first 15-20 minutes to Derby and they took advantage.
“In the second half, it was a completely different game. We started playing like we do during the week and like we did in previous matches.
“We controlled the game.
“We finished the game with 64% possession. Only Aston Villa and Leeds have won at this stadium this season, so Derby are a really strong team.
“I think we deserved at least one point for the second half performance.”
He added: “I cannot feel happy just because we did a good second half. I must help the players to start the games with the maximum courage that they have.
“We cannot start games thinking that we cannot lose this game, we must play all the games to win.”
Reading now have a 10-day gap before visiting fellow strugglers Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday, January 26 (8pm).
READING: Jaakkola; Rinomhota, Ilori, Moore, Yiadom; Bacuna, Baker (Aluko 45); Barrow (McCleary 73), Swift, Ejaria; Bodvarsson (Loader 63). Subs not used: Walker, Gunter, Blackett, Richards.
