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His team crashed to their third defeat in seven matches away at Derby this afternoon.
And after seeing Reading misfire against George Burley's team, who had lost their last three games on the trot, Coppell admitted that his side must attack more away from home if they are to grab the points.
Speaking after his team's 2-1 loss at Derby this afternoon, he said: "We had sufficient chances, certainly as many as them, to win the game. It was a typical game for this division, and there are tiny margins between teams.
"We're a more fluent team when we're going forward, and if we have that kind of mentality it may manifest itself in trying to hold onto what we've got, rather than going for it.
"I said to the players now it might be a mentality thing, we're almost content to be at 0-0 away from home."
Reading have picked up nine points at home so far this season - yet have only managed to get three out of a possible twelve on their travels.. Whether there is a 'mentality' issue or not, clearly there is a problem
Whilst few were surprised to see Coppell's side pick up any points against the highly-rated West Ham and Millwall, most supporters would expect the Royals to pick up maximum points at Pride Park.
And if Reading are to finish in the top six they must pick up more points on their travels.
Although the Royals team remain in the play-off places tonight, they will be desperate for a Tuesday night win at home to Preston so that they stay near the top of the table.
Steve Coppell is hoping for his players to 'react' to today's disappointing result.
"It's about how you react to situations like this, and we'll look forward to the next game," Coppell concluded.