Reading boss Brian McDermott taking 'emotion' out of results

Brian McDermott saw his Reading side concede a late Brett Pitman goal at Ipswich

Reading manager Brian McDermott is trying to take the "emotion" out of results as his side look to arrest a recent slide in form.

The Royals slipped to 16th in the Championship following a late defeat at Ipswich on Tuesday.

McDermott's side are without a win in four games as they prepare to host Wolves and Burnley successively.

"I look at the performances and I can't criticise the spirit or application," he told BBC Radio Berkshire.

Reading have won just once in the past eight league games, but face either West Brom or Peterborough at home in the FA Cup fifth round following victories against Huddersfield and Walsall.

"Natural reaction after a defeat is deflation," McDermott added. "But, I try to take the emotion out of results, win, lose or draw.

"Emotion at the end of a game is a problem. Mentality is a lot in football.

"If you concern yourself with conceding a last-minute goal or scoring a last-minute winner, then you're either euphoric or miserable immediately afterwards.

"I try to be in the middle of euphoric and miserable, bordering on miserable," McDermott joked.

Since he returned for a second spell as Reading manager in December, The Royals have won just two league games, but have held promotion chasers Derby and Sheffield Wednesday to draws.

"I concentrate on the one game that's coming up, on our job and getting the result," McDermott said.

"If we don't get the result, then we move on to the next game."