Chris Powell says Huddersfield Town won’t let the condition of the John Smith’s Stadium pitch put the brakes on their passing game.
“It’s not great at the moment,” said the manager ahead of the home meeting with Reading.
“It’s quite bobbly, and I could understand why the players were taking an extra touch against Cardiff last Saturday.
“Of course, it’s the same for both sides, but when you are at home, the onus is on you to push on and make things happen.
“However the surface is what it is, and we have to adapt to it.”
Reading, who leapfrogged 16th-placed Town to 13th in the Championship by winning 1-0 at Ipswich Town on Saturday, were 1-0 FA Cup third-round winners at the John Smith’s last month.
They are now through to the quarter-finals and face Bradford City at Valley Parade on Saturday week.
“Fair play to them,” said Powell, who made the last eight with Charlton Athletic a year ago.
“We are part of their cup journey, but this is a different game.
“We have both played a good few times since, and they have evolved a little bit.
“They come here having had a good result at Ipswich.
“But I saw them lose at home to Wigan in the game before that, and it’s typical of the Championship.”
Town are seeking a first home in four and a second double of the campaign after a 2-1 win at Reading in August.
“Another double after Millwall would be most welcome,” added Powell.
“You always hope top have at least two or three in a season to boost the points tally.
“Home results haven’t been what we would have wanted, but we have had two draws in our last two games and we know we are capable of getting a win this time out.”
Powell was named Coach of the Year at the first-ever British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Saturday.
Former athlete Denise Lewis was another winner, collecting a lifetime achievement award.
Powell’s award was presented in his absence to FA Council and Inclusion Advisory Board member Paul Elliott by QPR boss Chris Ramsey – the Premier League’s only black manager – and the Hoops’ director of football Les Ferdinand.
“I couldn’t get to the ceremony, but it’s great to be recognised and I hope others will be inspired to get involved in coaching,” said Powell.
