Adam Federici: Reading players are 'devastated'

Federici has already kept five clean sheets in all competitions this season

Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici said the players were "devastated" after their second successive 3-0 defeat.

The loss to Bournemouth saw the Royals slip to 17th in the Championship and extended their winless run to seven.

"It's been a tough week, there is no hiding behind it," Federici told BBC Berkshire. "The boys are devastated.

"We've had a long chat and things have got to improve. We've got to stand up and be counted for on Saturday because that can't keep happening."

Reading had made a steady start to the season, climbing as high as sixth in the table during September following a run of three successive victories.

However, three defeats in a row, in which they have conceded nine goals, has left them just four points above the relegation zone.

"It will be good when we win a couple of games, if you can come through it as a unit you will be stronger," continued Federici.

"I've been through this before and if we can come out the other side then we will be stronger for it. At the minute we just have to concentrate on Saturday and stand up and be counted for.

"A couple of losses and you are down the table - but a couple of wins and you are back up again.

"We have more than shown our quality this season. We've kept clean sheets, we've scored goals, it's there, we're just going through a sticky patch. We need the fans right behind us.

"It's hard for everyone. We had a chat, we are trying to get to the bottom of it. We've got the experience within the side but it's good for the young players to experience the lows. There are a lot of heads down but they've got to pick themselves up."

Manager Nigel Adkins urged focus and drive as they look to turn things around at home to Blackpool on Saturday.

"I want to be in the Premier League with Reading, we've got to have that drive to do that," Adkins told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"We've got to make sure we enjoy the division, it's got to be enjoyable for the supporters and everyone has to have a smile on their face.

"We have to have that focus and belief. That is where I want us to be and where the owners want us to be. A result like tonight does not help that cause. It's a results-driven industry, we have to focus for the next game because we can affect that."