Disappointed Warne Blames Derby's Defeat on Lack of Intensity Against Reading

Derby County manager Paul Warne expressed disappointment in his team’s performance as they were prevented from topping League One by Reading. Despite being undefeated on the road for the past three months, Derby failed to register a shot on target and Paul Mukairu’s second-half goal secured the victory for Reading in a scrappy but dominant display. Warne, a promotion specialist with Rotherham United commended Reading but criticized his team for not matching their intensity.

He highlighted the lack of second-ball wins and a failure to adapt when unable to play their preferred style. Warne acknowledged Reading’s effective pressing and felt his team lacked energy, attributing the defeat to a deficiency in basic football fundamentals. He suggested a draw might have been a fair result but emphasized Reading’s superior energy levels. Looking ahead, Reading will face in-form Leyton Orient as they aim to improve their position in the survival battle.