Coppell: It's always difficult

Reading boss dismisses 'second-season syndrome'

By Mark Buckingham   Last updated: 1st October 2007

Steve Coppell Reading

Coppell: Fed up

Ferraris win races and the others compete. If you spend a lot of money you're going to win.

Coppell
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Reading manager Steve Coppell admits he is 'fed up' of talking about second-season syndrome.

Coppell's side enjoyed a stunning debut campaign in the Premier League last term, but have won just two of their opening eight matches in the new season.

The Royals boss is aware he will be judged on results, but, following Saturday's remarkable 7-4 defeat at Portsmouth, Coppell let rip.

"I've had 17 million questions about second-season syndrome," Coppell told reporters. "I'm fed up with the f****** thing. Shove it up where ever.

"It's just f****** hard whether it's the first season, second season or third season.

Judged on results

"Ferraris win races and the others compete. If you spend a lot of money you're going to win.

"A lot of good things have come out of the game, but nobody can take a lot of credit when you lose seven goals.

"Your life is determined by results. If you win, it's a lively world. If you lose, it's your fault. Everyone is judged on results.

"If we lose, I'll be judged poorly, disparagingly and if I don't do something about it, things will happen.

"It's not a question of feeling under threat, but a manager is judged on results. If you don't get results, you're not a manager for long."