Peter Mate Speaks On Reading Life

Loan player Peter Mate has spoken out at his determination to join Reading on a permanent basis.

The Hungary under-21 international had his season-long loan with Reading sabotaged after he tore a cruciate ligament in his knee.

Despite this, Mate will remain with Reading and see out his loan period rather then return to Hungary to recuperate with his club, Debrecen.

Mate spoke of his steadfastness on landing a permanent contract with the Royals. Though the conditions of his loan meant Reading had a view to sign him on a three year permanent contract at the end of the season, if they do decide to bring the player in full term it is much more likely to be on a single year basis.

‘I had surgery last October in England and after the operation I was focusing on the rehabilitation and developing my English so as to prove to the club and to Steve Coppell that I’m doing my very best to stay at Reading,’ Mate told Nemzeti Sport.

‘I’ve been learning the language, doing fitness exercises, riding my bicycle and doing running-like movements in the swimming pool.”

Mate has only played once in a Reading setup, he enjoyed a fairytale debut scoring against Darlington in the Carling Cup in September – albeit a dubious decision to award the goal as the ball bounced off of Mate`s arm and into the back of the net!

And thought such a long-term injury can be daunting and take its toll on a player, Mate refused to be bought down by the situation – unlike a certain Mr Kitson!

‘I’m not impatient. My teammates keep supporting me, especially James Harper, who is a real friend of mine. I think the worst days are behind me. My trainer told me ‘we’re on the right way’. I’m optimistic that this period will be ended soon.

And Peter seems to hold his employer, Steve Coppel in very high regard:

‘Steve Coppell makes changes only in case of injuries or bad form from his team which won promotion last year. I was told that our manager used to be an excellent footballer, but I can confirm that he’s a first-class trainer and psychologist as well. When I’m asked what is the secret of Reading I just say, ‘this team is like a family and this makes us very strong on the pitch’.

‘He (Steve Coppell) asks me about my health week by week and also checks how my English has been developing. He makes me feel that I shall be a wanted player by him in the future, so I know, it’s only up to me if I will be able to get into the first team when I am ready to play.’