Robbie Savage hits out at Ruben Selles for one thing he saw at Reading FC | OneFootball

Robbie Savage has criticised former Reading FC manager Ruben Selles for his handling of son Charlie during their time together at the Royals

Robbie Savage has criticised former Reading FC manager Ruben Selles for what he witnessed during the Spaniard's time at the Royals, whilst also speaking about his son Charlie under new management.

Selles took charge of Reading following their relegation to League One in 2023 and navigated the Royals through significant challenges. Multiple points deductions and transfer embargoes were not enough to distract the Spaniard from stabilising the team, keeping them clear of relegation in the 2023–24 season, where Reading finished 17th. In the following season, before his departure to Hull City in December 2024, they were sitting in the play-off places.

In a revealing interview on The Tilehurst End podcast, Savage acknowledged Selles' overall contribution to Reading but didn't hold back when discussing how the Spanish coach's approach affected his son's confidence.

Robbie Savage suggests Ruben Selles substitution patterns caused confidence issues with Charlie

Savage pointed to a pattern he noticed that emerged during Selles' tenure, with Charlie often being the first player substituted regardless of performance.

"I was in a thought process that, in the way that Ruben wanted to play - by the way, he did great to get Reading where they got to," Savage stated in the podcast, before suggesting that Selles could have achieved more with a different approach.

"It could've been a better season if he changed the dynamics of the team quicker and maybe not gone against his principles a little bit," added the former Premier League midfielder.

"It got to a point under Ruben, that regardless of Charlie's performance - it would be if he hadn't scored a worldie, if it was 0-0, - I can go back to numerous occasions - that Charlie would be the first to come off," Savage revealed.

"Then, as a player, you would be looking across thinking it's me again, and then he'd be left out, where other players who are more senior in the team could try long passes, could try different things, knowing that they're going to play every week."

Despite his criticism, Savage was careful to acknowledge the opportunity that Selles gave his son during his early days at Reading.

"I can only thank Ruben for giving Charlie that experience of the first 17 games to play in that system and League One football," he said, showing there are no hard feelings despite the issues highlighted.

Robbie Savage credits Noel Hunt for creating a supportive environment at Reading FC

Savage credits current Reading coach Noel Hunt with providing a more supportive environment for his son to develop.

"Under Ruben Selles, Hunty (Noel Hunt) put an arm round him and said 'listen Charlie, you will make mistakes and if you do make mistakes, don't look around on the bench thinking 60 minutes we haven't scored or the team are losing you're going to come off'," explained Savage.

The former Wales international believes this change in management style has been crucial for his son's recent performances, though he was keen to emphasize that Charlie's ability has always been present.

"For Charlie, I've seen people say he's the most improved. I wouldn't say he's the most improved because he's always had unbelievable ability, what he's done, he's adapted to League One football," Savage stated.

"So I wouldn't say this year Charlie is the most improved player. He's always had the ability. What he's done is, he's grown in confidence from a manager who trusts him - and it's somebody getting the best out of him - by putting an arm around him."