Reading boss Jaap Stam has backed Newcastle United to open up a big lead at the top of the Championship table.
Reading manager Jaap Stam
Reading manager Jaap Stam has told the Shields Gazette that he thinks Newcastle United will now run away with the Championship table.
The Royals hosted Newcastle in a Championship clash on Tuesday night, with Reading looking to consolidate their place in the play-offs.
The game ended in stalemate as the two sides played out a 0-0 draw at the Madejski Stadium, but Newcastle knew they were in a game against Jaap Stam’s men.
Reading had a whopping 70% of possession, but couldn’t turn that into goals as Newcastle picked up another point in their pursuit of the Championship title.
The Magpies sit top of the table and thre points clear of second-placed Brighton and Hove Albion, with Rafael Benitez’s men strong favourites to return to the Premier League as champions.
After the final whistle, Reading manager and former Manchester United ace Stam spoke to the Shields Gazette, and heaped praise on Newcastle.
Reading manager Jaap Stam
Stam predicted that Newcastle will now pull clear at the top of the table as they are a ‘quality side’ who don’t give up many chances to the opposition.
Stam added that Newcastle are strong on the break, and whilst they are already comfortably clear at the top, he expects the gap to get even bigger in the coming weeks and months.
“I think Newcastle will get away – they are a quality side,” said Stam. “They are not giving many chances away. They can always break and create a chance to score a goal. They have a lot of quality to do well against every team. They are lots of points ahead. They will get away,” he added.
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