Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna expressed his disappointment with his team’s performance in the goalless draw against QPR, acknowledging that they did not do enough to secure a victory. McKenna attributed the lackluster showing to a challenging build-up marked by illness and injuries affecting key players.
The manager revealed that Nathan Broadhead was withdrawn from the lineup after the warm-up due to vomiting caused by a bug that also affected Wes Burns. The team was further handicapped by the absence of captain Sam Morsy (suspended), George Hirst (injured), and Wes Burns (ill). The last-minute changes disrupted the team’s cohesion, resulting in a disjointed display.
McKenna admitted, “I didn’t think it was a very good match or general performance or general atmosphere.” He highlighted the difficult build-up to the game, emphasizing the challenges faced right up to the two minutes before kick-off when Broadhead was dealing with the effects of the illness.
The manager pointed out that several players were affected by the vomiting bug, and the situation was likely to worsen. The difficult build-up, combined with the team’s third game in six days, contributed to what McKenna described as a less-than-ideal game. Despite commendable effort levels, especially in the second half, Ipswich Town failed to capitalize on chances and secure a win.
Addressing the injury and illness concerns, McKenna mentioned that Leif Davis had a calf strain, Wes Burns was seriously ill with a virus within the camp, and Nathan Broadhead was also affected by the same virus. Additionally, Harry Clarke had an ongoing Achilles issue that required careful management.
Regarding the impact of a medical emergency in the crowd leading to a halftime delay, McKenna stated that it did not affect the game. He expressed sympathy for the family involved and praised the officials for handling the situation appropriately.
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Asked about the drop in performance level, McKenna acknowledged that improvements were possible but emphasized the reality of facing a QPR team with more Championship experience. He highlighted the challenge of making multiple changes to the team simultaneously, with some players lacking match sharpness.
Despite the disappointing performance, McKenna found positive aspects in the night, such as young striker Gerrard Buabo making his league debut in the 88th minute. He praised Cameron Humphreys for his first start and noted that Buabo, despite an injury-hit year, made a positive impact. McKenna expressed hope for better luck for Buabo in the coming year.
In conclusion, McKenna acknowledged the difficulties faced by his team in the lead-up to the QPR match, recognizing the impact of illness and injuries on the squad. While disappointed with the performance, he maintained a realistic perspective on the challenges and looked to build on the positives, including the introduction of young talent during a challenging period for the team.
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