Reading boss Brendan Rodgers says: I can handle the abuse from fans

Brendan Rodgers insists he is the right man to turn Reading’s fortunes around.

The Royals boss came in for a barrage of abuse and calls for his head from travelling supporters during Tuesday night’s 4-1 hammering at QPR, their third defeat on the bounce.

But Rodgers, who quit Watford for Reading in the summer, said: “We haven’t had a good start and obviously that always comes back to the manager and I’m big enough to accept that.

“You would prefer not to have it (stick). I have had a month where I was getting it from Watford fans and my own fans. I had a bit of therapy by going to Chelsea’s Champions League game, but maybe I should have booked an appointment with the Good Samaritans!

“I was 35 when I got my chance as a manager and it wasn’t because I was nice or soft. We haven’t had a good start but we just have to make sure we are one club because we will never progress otherwise.”

Reading play host to Leicester on Monday night looking for their first win at the Madejski Stadium in 16 matches – a run stretching back to January 27.

Rodgers added:  “The smooth seas have never made strong sailors, the water is a bit tough at the moment, but we have to keep going and persevering and show determination.

“Then the supporters can be proud of their team and that’s the fight at the moment.”

“It’s been tough, there’s no question of that, but we all carry the responsibility to take the club forward and that’s what we’re all fighting to do.

 “As a manager you are judged on results and they have obviously been very disappointing.  We have the motivation to get our home form right on Monday and kick-start our season.”