Kieran McKenna: “We need to keep improving.”
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance in their recent 1-1 draw against Championship leaders Leicester City, emphasizing that the result reinforces the club’s belief in their development. The Boxing Day clash at Portman Road saw Ipswich secure a late point, keeping them six points behind the table-topping Foxes and maintaining a five-point gap to third-placed Southampton.
McKenna acknowledged the strength of Leicester as opponents and praised his team’s resilience after a challenging 4-0 defeat against Leeds just three days earlier. The draw not only kept Ipswich in contention with the league leaders but also showcased their ability to rebound from setbacks.
While Leicester seemed poised to extend their lead to nine points, Ipswich leveled the score in the 93rd minute when Sam Morsy’s shot, deflected twice, found the net past Leicester’s goalkeeper, Mads Hermansen.
McKenna highlighted the significance of the result, stating, “It’s only a point, but to come back from Leeds and stay brave and stay true to our principles, and to do that against the best team in the league so far, I think that’s the big positive.”
The Ipswich manager emphasized the team’s commitment to their identity, style of play, principles, and group culture, stating that the draw reinforces their positive direction. He acknowledged the need for continuous improvement, noting that better execution could have resulted in a victory against Leicester.
Ipswich currently occupy the second automatic promotion spot, positioning them well for a potential return to the Premier League for the first time since their relegation in 2002. McKenna sees the draw against Leicester as evidence that Ipswich is on the right path in terms of promotion.
“I think it should reinforce that,” he said. “In terms of our identity, style of play, principles, and culture in the group, we’re going in a really good direction.
“When you play against a team that is well coached and you come out so well, it should reinforce what you’re doing.
“We know we need to keep improving; our execution could have been better, and if it was better, we would win the game because we had more than enough moments.
“The players have made such big strides, but it’s important we continue to do so.”
Looking ahead, McKenna urged his team to keep improving, emphasizing that while the players have made significant strides, continued progress is essential. Ipswich’s next challenge is a Friday night encounter with relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers at Portman Road.
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