Former Reading boss Veljko Paunovic admitted that he 'fired himself' in 2022 after discussions with the hierarchy.

The Serbian arrived in the summer of 2020 and led the Royals to a seventh-place finish in his debut campaign, however, a downturn in form coupled with off-field issues saw the club plummet to 21st in 2021/22, replaced by Paul Ince in March.

Now in Mexico with Chivas, the former La Liga regular appeared on a X Space with the popular football channel Coaches Voice.

"The first season was fantastic, I really enjoyed it," he said. "We had a good team and good guys who were able to not only understand and apply what we were trying to do but push hard for the club. At the end of the season, we missed the playoffs but I think it was a very good season with a lot of progress on the young players and results.

"In the second season, we lost too many top players. Between injuries, Joao [Lucas] 21 goals in the first season was out after a hip injury, [Yakou] Meite in the off-season with an ACL- another 15 goals. Because of the issues of the club, we lost Michael Olise for an important amount of money that helped the club in that moment. We weren’t able to replace such a talent, and that affects the results.

"That was a huge disappointment for me, leading to the point where I made some decisions and some mistakes. It took us in a situation we were trying to fix which wasn’t our fault or direct responsibility. We were trying to fix that but it went in the wrong direction and it looked like I was the problem.

"In that point, I went to the club and said the fans are against…this is not helping the club and the best situation is that we part ways. I want the best for the club, I love the club and still follow the team. I told the owner and Dayong Pang that this is the best for the club.

"Basically, I fired myself. I have no problem with that because wherever I work, I want the best for the club. If that means I have to leave, I will do that. I never had the opportunity to talk about it. I think it’s important information that people need to know."

Following a 3-2 win over Preston North End, Paunovic departed and was replaced by the former England captain.

Ince kept the side up at the end of 2021/22 before taking the side in 2022/23, succumbing to relegation last season.