Reading FC manager Jaap Stam has warned his team that they face a very tough task against Leeds United this weekend, the club's official website reports.

Jaap Stam has outlined Leeds United's strengths; he claims that they are cohesive, hardworking and physical, which makes them an extremely tough unit to get a result out of.

Fifth placed Reading take on fourth placed Leeds in Saturday's late kick-off and a win would be vital for both in their efforts to cement a place in the play-off zone.

In the corresponding tie at Elland Road, Chris Wood and Souleymane Doukara both scored to earn Leeds a 2-0 victory.

Reflecting on Reading's previous loss to Leeds, Stam told the club's official website:

“We played well over there, but it’s all about results and scoring goals.

“They did it, we didn’t, so they did it well and got the three points.

"We need to make sure on Saturday that that doesn’t happen again."

Jaap Stam also took time to praise how Leeds set up as a team.

The Dutchman has assessed their threats and strengths and knows that Saturday's match will be far from easy.

Stam added:

“They are a physical side and the work ethic within the team is very high, but they’ve got a lot of quality too.

"I’ve got the utmost respect for them and what they’ve been doing all season, the manager has done a great job.

"They get results and they are very hard to beat and as a result they are doing very well in the league.

“They play well, defend well, and work well together.

"As a team they have certain qualities that make it difficult for the opposition.

"Those aren’t surprises within their squad or how they play – we’ve seen their games.

“It’s always interesting to see how they’ll play against us towards the end of the season.

"Certain teams decide to do things differently because a lot is at stake.

"But we’ll be preparing as best we can to try and get a result.”

Reading fans - what do you make of this? Is Stam right in his comments? Can you get a win against Leeds? Let us know in the comments below...