Johnson works his City men hard

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson has worked his players hard this week

Bristol City manager Gary Johnson has put his players through the mill in a bid to be more competitive, following their 4-1 home defeat to Reading.

The City players had to endure a double training session on Monday after losing for the first time in five games.

And Johnson hopes for a big response when City look to get back to winning ways at Southampton on Saturday.

"They won't see it as being treated like spoiled brats," he said. "They'll know we're trying to improve."

Johnson told the club website: "If you punish them you have to teach them the rights and what it is you're looking for.

"We have a group of players that can take that. And we want to be competitive and successful in the Championship.

I've also seen the rewards of that because I've seen a few practice games that have been very competitive, which is exactly what we need them to be

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson

"We've done a lot of running, and that's what people generally perceive to be punishment. Most people don't like running, and certainly not beyond their limits.

"Most have coped with that very well and they've pulled each other through it. Sometimes you need a common hatred, and I've probably been that this week. That's good because it's got them together."