Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic slammed his teams error-strewn showing Stoke City won 3-0 at the Madejski.

The result is the third consecutive defeat for Reading, who've now conceded nine goals in the last three games.

Speaking after the game, Paunovic rued errors from his players in the defeat.

"We have to learn those moments are crucial in the game.

“This is a serious league where mistakes in both boxes can kill you.

"There is a mix of immaturity in some moments and fatigue, accumulation and injuries that we are going through.

“There has been improvement in terms of controlling the game, that’s been huge but we have slipped on the other side.

"The mix of fatigue and injuries - that is what’s affecting the team.

"The changes are not happening organically, they’re not happening with a depth and when you go from one loss to another it looks like it’s a desperate way to fix it but it’s not.

"We had a very good start [to the game] and maybe got comfortable with the ball and gave away two goals which never would have happened to us in the past.

"That’s the identity we have to recover.

"We had seven or eight guys behind the ball at the first goal. The clearance wasn’t appropriate and we had a chance to fix it and block the shot.

"But it’s on us, we’ll work to improve it and we will fix it."

Reading were without key trio Liam Moore, Ovie Ejaria and Yakou Meite against the Potters.

Paunovic said after the game that he hoped the three would be back after the international break.

"Meite, Moore and Ejaria weren’t ready. We couldn’t push through the risks it would involve players’ health.

"We’ll always look for our players and at the long term until they’re completely healthy and they’re in agreement. Everyone has to be in agreement before we step on the field.

"I hope [they will be back after the break] but I don’t know for certain.They still have to heal but two weeks will be helpful."

The Serbian boss did say, however, that there is reason for optimism after another defeat.

"On every side of the stats, I think we have been the better team in all the games we have lost. The improvement and evolution of the team - we didn’t benefit on the defensive side so we have to look for the balance.

When the team becomes comfortable, maybe they’re not ready to react to the moments when we make mistakes in a game. It’s something we have to look to improve.

"There is a willingness to improve on both sides of the game."