Rubén Sellés: The Real Hope for Reading F.C.

Since Señor Sellés assumed leadership of Reading FC on 26 June 2023, his reputation among fans, staff, and the broader football world has been on the rise. Beloved both inside and outside the dugout, it’s evident why he is receiving so much praise and affection from our fanbase.

Who is Rubén Sellés?

First off, for those who might not know, Rubén Sellés was appointed as the manager of Reading F.C. on 6th June 2023. He’s a Spanish coach who has worked with various teams across Europe. Known for his modern approach to the game and emphasis on youth development, many fans were eager to see what he could bring to Reading.

Sellés, originally from Spain, is known for his tactical skills and for giving young players a shot, which has really excited Reading fans. Before coming here, he was an assistant coach at Southampton and even stepped in as their temporary manager in the Premier League.

What’s cool about him is that he’s coached all over Europe—in places like Greece, Denmark, and Russia—so he brings a lot of experience from different leagues. He’s got the UEFA Pro License, which is one of the top coaching qualifications you can get in football, so you know he’s serious.

At Reading, Sellés has had to deal with some big challenges, like transfer restrictions and financial issues, which could make things tough for any manager. But instead of complaining, he’s been focusing on our academy players and bringing in young talent from within the club. This has earned him loads of respect from the fans because he’s not just building a team for right now—he’s thinking about the future. So far, he’s proving to be a fresh, positive influence on the club, and the supporters are really backing him.

Why Does Win Rate Matter?

Before we compare anything, it’s important to understand why a manager’s win rate is such a big deal. The win rate shows the percentage of games a manager wins out of all the games they’ve managed. It’s a quick way to gauge how effective a manager is. Of course, it’s not the only thing that matters, but it’s definitely a key indicator of success.

Rubén Sellés’ Start with Reading F.C.

Since joining in July 2023, Sellés has been in charge of Reading F.C. for a few months now. As of 27th October 2023, Rubén has managed 69 matches. Under his leadership, the team has seen 29 wins, 16 draws, and  24 losses. This gives a win rate of 42.09%. This makes Rubén the eighth most current manager (based on todays data), for managers who have managed 50+ matches for the club.

Comparing to the Previous Manager: Paul Ince

Before Sellés, Paul Ince was at the helm. He managed Reading F.C. from February 19, 2022, to April 11, 2023. Let’s take a look at his stats:

•Matches Managed: 44
•Wins: 14
•Draws: 8
•Losses: 22
•Win Rate: Approximately 31.82%

Ince had a tough time, with just over a quarter of his games ending in victory. The team struggled under his management, and many fans were calling for a change.

What Do These Numbers Tell Us?

Sellés has far outperformed the role of Reading compared to Ince—showing a significant improvement! A higher win rate suggests the team is performing better on the pitch and that the manager’s strategies are effective. Both Paul Ince and Rubén Sellés have dealt with off-field ownership issues and point deductions. However, it’s arguable that Paul Ince had more experienced and established players who weren’t meeting the club’s and fans’ expectations. Rubén, on the other hand, has had to manage the team under EFL sanctions and a transfer embargo. Consequently, he’s relied on the club’s Category A academy, bringing very young players into the first team. These players might not have otherwise had the chance, but they’ve seized the opportunity impeccably, with many performing beyond their years.

Comparing with Other Past Managers

Let’s see how Sellés’ hypothetical win rate stacks up against other recent managers:

*Data correct as of 27th October 2024.

What’s Behind the Improvement?

So, why might Sellés be achieving a higher win rate? Here are some possible reasons:

1. Fresh Tactical Approaches

Rubén Sellés is known for his smart, fresh tactics, and he’s definitely brought some new ideas to Reading. Unlike previous managers who focused a lot on zonal marking, Sellés has shifted things up with a high defensive line and a front press, meaning the team starts putting pressure on opponents right from the kickoff.

What is Zonal Marking?

Zonal marking is a defensive style where each player is given a specific area or “zone” to cover instead of marking individual opponents. So, if an opponent moves into their area, they step in to defend, but if the opponent leaves, they don’t follow them. This approach helps keep a strong shape in defense, especially for set pieces like corners. However, zonal marking can sometimes leave gaps if players aren’t totally focused on their zones. Reading tried zonal marking with past managers, but it didn’t always click.

Sellés’ High Line and Front Press

Sellés has decided to go with a high line and front press instead, which is a much more aggressive style. A high line means the defenders push up closer to the midfield, leaving less room for opponents to work with in the center of the field. This makes it harder for the opposition to pass around freely but does leave space behind the defense, so timing and coordination have to be spot on.

The front press is where it really gets interesting. With a front press, Sellés has his players putting pressure on the opponents’ defense from the very start, trying to win back the ball high up the field. So, instead of waiting for the other team to come to them, Reading players go after the ball as soon as the game starts, forcing mistakes and winning back possession quickly.

This style requires a lot of energy and focus since players have to keep pressing and watching for opportunities. It’s a bold move that keeps the other team on their toes and gives Reading a chance to stay on the attack. Sellés’ tactics make Reading’s play faster and more intense, making it tough for opponents to settle into their game.

2. Emphasis on Youth Development

By focusing on the younger players from Reading’s academy, Rubén Sellés has brought a whole new energy and excitement to the team. Because of restrictions and budget limits, Sellés has had to rely heavily on players from the club’s Category A academy. Instead of seeing this as a setback, he’s really used it to his advantage, putting his people skills and technical know-how to work to develop these young players into his way of playing.

These academy players have really stepped up, proving they’re ready to compete at a higher level. Sellés has coached them in his style and made them understand how he wants the game to be played, and they’ve totally bought into his vision. They’re not just filling spots; they’re thriving. In fact, the squad’s average age is just 23, which is incredibly young for a professional team. And get this—Andrew Garcia, one of the brightest talents, made his debut as a regular first-team player on October 1st, and he’s only 16 years old!

Garcia’s journey into the first team at such a young age shows how much trust Sellés has in these young players and how confident he is in their abilities. The whole team looks more energetic and driven, probably because these young players have brought fresh enthusiasm and a lot of passion to each game. They’re constantly pushing themselves, and it’s clear that Sellés has inspired them to work hard and improve every day.

This youth-focused approach means that not only does the team look promising right now, but it’s also setting Reading up for a solid future. Fans are getting excited to see these young players grow with the club, and there’s a real sense that Reading could be building a strong foundation for years to come.

3. Improved Team Morale

Rubén Sellés has clearly shown that he can do wonders for the team’s morale. With fresh leadership, players often feel a renewed motivation to perform well and prove themselves, but with Sellés, it’s clear there’s something extra special happening at Reading. The players don’t just see him as a coach—they genuinely respect him, both on and off the pitch.

Sellés has created an environment where the players feel valued and trusted. He doesn’t just give orders; he takes the time to get to know each player personally, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and goals. This personal approach has made players feel more connected to him and motivated to push themselves harder in every match. He’s often seen interacting with the squad during training, offering individual feedback, and cheering them on during drills. On match days, Sellés is always on the sidelines, visibly supporting his players with gestures and encouragement, which only adds to their drive to succeed.

Off the pitch, he’s equally dedicated. Sellés has been spotted spending time with the players during team gatherings and events, listening to their concerns, and celebrating their achievements, big or small. He goes beyond just coaching, helping them with their development, talking through tactical plans, and even offering advice on managing the pressures of professional football. Players feel like Sellés is someone they can approach and trust, not just a boss giving out instructions.

This mutual respect between Sellés and his squad has lifted morale to new heights. Knowing they have a manager who believes in them and respects their efforts pushes the players to go above and beyond. They’re not just playing to win—they’re playing for Sellés and for each other, knowing they have a manager who will back them through every challenge.

4. Better Adaptability

When Rubén Sellés first joined Reading, he faced a steep learning curve. Unlike most new managers, he didn’t have the benefit of a pre-season to get to know his players, assess their strengths, or understand what each needed to develop. He also had to quickly adjust to the unique playing styles across the league and understand how different opponents operate, which was no small task. Without much time to settle in, Sellés had to learn on the job—and often the hard way.

Despite the challenges, Sellés has shown he’s a quick learner and highly adaptable. Through trial and error, he’s developed a keen understanding of his squad, gradually pinpointing where each player can shine and where the team needs to improve. His ability to make tactical adjustments based on each opponent’s style has been a game-changer, allowing Reading to approach every match with a clear, flexible plan. This learning process hasn’t been easy, but Sellés has proven he can handle it, refining his strategies and transforming the team’s playing style into something truly impressive.

Sellés’ adaptability has been evident in the way the team manages games now, with tactical adjustments and smart playmaking designed to get the best out of every player. The team not only plays with more confidence but also displays greater awareness of how to control the game, even against tough opponents. Through his resilience and willingness to adapt, Sellés has turned those early challenges into a foundation for growth, making Reading stronger with every match.

Challenges Faced by Sellés
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Sellés. Like any manager, he’s faced his share of challenges, but his have been especially tough. Due to ongoing ownership issues, Sellés has had to deal with significant obstacles, including point deductions from the EFL, a strict transfer embargo, and even a full transfer ban. These restrictions have made it difficult for him to strengthen the squad as he might have wanted, adding extra pressure on both him and the team. Despite these hurdles, Sellés has continued to push forward, making the most of the resources available to him.

Squad Depth

Rubén Sellés has had to build a squad on an incredibly tight budget—essentially zero cost—which has meant relying heavily on young talent from the club’s academy. While this approach has brought fresh energy and some promising performances, it has also exposed the squad’s lack of depth, especially when injuries hit. With fewer experienced players to fill in, Sellés often has to turn to even younger or less seasoned players to step up, making it challenging to maintain consistency.

Pressure from Fans and Media

With the squad built on a near-zero budget and heavily reliant on young academy talent, Rubén Sellés faces a tough reality that sometimes gets overlooked. While the media and fans are quick to celebrate the fantastic results, they can also be highly critical after a loss, often getting swept up in the highs and lows of each game. This focus on immediate results can easily distract from the real situation that Sellés and the club are working within—a limited squad depth and ongoing restrictions that expose challenges, especially when injuries occur. Despite these limitations, Sellés keeps pushing forward, getting the best out of his players, but it’s important to remember the uphill battle he and the club are up against every week.

Fan Reactions

The fans have been incredibly vocal in their support for Rubén Sellés, showing their admiration for his dedication and determination at every game. They chant his name from the stands and fill social media with messages of appreciation, creating a powerful connection between the manager and the supporters. Rubén, in turn, makes it clear how much this support means to him. In interviews and personal interactions with fans, he doesn’t hold back, expressing his gratitude and love for the Reading fanbase. His open appreciation and genuine responses have only strengthened this bond, making him not just a manager but a true fan favorite.

The Importance of Consistency

In football, one of the toughest challenges is sustaining strong performances over the long haul. A good start is always promising, but the true test for Sellés will be keeping the team performing at a high level all season. This consistency could be impacted by injuries or suspensions, especially given the small squad Sellés has to work with. When the core players are fit, the team has proven they can go toe-to-toe with any club in the league. Recent consistent results have shown just how crucial stability is, as steady performances can lead to a steady climb up the league table.

Looking Ahead

If Sellés continues on this trajectory, Reading F.C. could be in for a successful season. Potential benefits include:

•Higher League Position: Climbing up the table is always the goal.
•Attracting New Talent: Success can attract better players to the club, albeit the need for Reading to only dip in the free and loan market until to be January 1, 2025.
•Financial Gains: Improved performance on the field can drive up ticket sales and attract new sponsorships for Reading FC. With positive results rolling in, it’s clear that crowd numbers are rising. However, one factor that impacts attendance is the broadcast of many games on Sky Sports+, which allows fans to catch the action from home. While watching live at the stadium offers a unique experience, the convenience and lower cost of watching on an existing TV package can be appealing for many. This balance between live attendance and at-home viewing affects the club’s financial boost from ticket sales, even as fan excitement continues to grow.

Conclusion

Rubén Sellés is already making a strong impact at Reading FC, particularly when we compare his win rate to previous managers like Paul Ince. Although it’s still early days, the outlook is promising. As both a young sports reporter and a dedicated fan, I’m excited about what the future holds for our club under his leadership, and how the young Reading team develops under his leadership.

Final Thoughts

Football is a game of surprises—anything can happen on any given day. Yet, when we analyse win rates and look at performance trends, we get a valuable snapshot of how things are progressing. Rubén Sellés’ time with Reading FC has already shown glimpses of what he and the team might achieve, even with all the challenges they’re facing. Watching the team’s growth and seeing how they overcome obstacles is inspiring, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us. I look forward to following every step of their progress and sharing all the highs and lows with each of you. Here’s to an unpredictable but hopeful season ahead!

Call to Action

What do you think about Rubén Sellés and his impact on Reading FC so far? Can he keep up the impressive win rate and lead the team to new heights? Share your thoughts, and let’s keep the conversation going!

More importantly, the team needs your support in the stands! Watching at home is convenient, but nothing matches the energy and excitement of being there live. Rubén and the players feel the difference when fans are cheering them on, and every voice in the stadium makes an impact. So, come out to the games, bring your Reading pride, and be part of this journey with us! Let’s show them that the fans are here, louder and stronger than ever!

References

•List of Reading F.C. Managers Statistics – Wikipedia

Note: The statistical data provided is based on information available up to October 2023. For the most recent statistics, please refer to official Reading F.C. sources or updated records.

Thanks for reading! Until next time, this is your junior sports reporter signing off. Go Reading F.C.!