Reading, like Karanka’s Middlesbrough two years before them, were denied promotion at Wembley in May.
Former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka expects Reading to suffer a play-off final hangover this coming campaign.
The Royals finished third in last season’s Championship and went on to lose on penalties against Huddersfield Town at Wembley.
Having seen his Middlesbrough team defeated at the same stage two years ago, Karanka knows full well the repercussions Reading could face.
Former Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
But while the Basque boss was able to hang on to most of his stars from the previous campaign, before strengthening his squad with the likes of Cristhian Stuani, David Nugent and Stewart Downing, Reading’s Jaap Stam has not been quite so fortunate – spending much of the summer chasing replacements for Ali Al Habsi and Danny Williams.
Further additions, such as that of a new striker, remain on Stam’s agenda, but as things stand going into the new season, Karanka is not expecting the Royals boss to repeat his trick of taking Boro up the following campaign – and believes they will finish midtable.
“I know how tough it is to lose the play-off final. But I can’t imagine how hard it must be to lose on one penalty,” he told The Sun newspaper. “For that reason I think it will be a tough season for Reading.
“From my point of view, they won’t be fighting for the play-offs this season – though others might think I’m making a big mistake!”
Reading manager Jaap Stam
Karanka continued: “(Reading defender) Chris Gunter is someone I think Middlesbrough tried to sign. He’s a player with good experience and it was important Reading kept him. He’s the kind of player coaches love.”
Where do you think Reading will finish this season?
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