ALI AL-HABSI says he and his Reading team-mates “have to be very proud of ourselves” despite today’s heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to Huddersfield Town at Wembley.
After a goalless draw in the play-off final, dubbed the richest match in world football with upwards of £170 million for the winners, Royals led 3-1 in the shoot-out after Al-Habsi saved from Michael Hefele.
But misses from the spot by Liam Moore and Jordan Obita gave Huddersfield the initiative and Christopher Schindler tucked in the winning spot kick to fire Town to the Premier League.
“It’s very hard to take,” admitted Al-Habsi.
“We have to be very proud of ourselves. We’ve been fantastic all season, everyone in the football club.
“Players, staff and fans worked really hard to reach the final.
“I think in the game we did really well for 120 minutes and penalties. One team has to win and I want to say congratulations to Huddersfield and wish them all the best in the Premier League.”
And Al-Habsi says the players have to use this defeat as a learning curve.
“Hopefully this makes us come back stronger next year.
“It’s always difficult for young players and experienced players to lose like that but I’m sure everyone is behind Liam and Jordan.
“They have had fantastic seasons and it’s hard to say anything.
“I’m sure we will be even stronger next year.
“We believe in our manager and we believe in ourselves. I’m sure we can do it again.”
