Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna expressed a pragmatic perspective on the frustrating goalless draw with QPR, stating that his “feet are firmly rooted in reality” following a challenging fixture. The Blues faced significant obstacles, with five key players absent: Leif Davis (calf), Sam Morsy (suspended), Wes Burns, Nathan Broadhead (both ill), and George Hirst (hamstring), leading to an unusually disjointed performance.
McKenna, when asked for his assessment, acknowledged the difficulties, saying, “I didn’t think it was a very good match, or general performance, or general atmosphere.” He highlighted the challenging build-up to the game, with Nathan Broadhead vomiting just two minutes before kick-off due to a contagious bug that had affected multiple players and staff members.
The manager recognized the various factors contributing to the less-than-ideal situation, including the team’s third game in six days following intense efforts against Leeds and Leicester. Despite the challenging circumstances, McKenna praised the players’ effort levels, especially in the second half, while noting missed chances to secure a win. He pointed out that the team conceded only one header from a set play and emphasized that ultimately, they didn’t do enough to secure victory.
Addressing the absentees, McKenna provided updates on the players, mentioning Leif Davis’s calf strain, Wes Burns’s severe illness, and Nathan Broadhead’s vomiting during the warm-up. Additionally, George Hirst was sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Sam Morsy was suspended. Harry Clarke also faced limitations due to an ongoing Achilles issue.
While Ipswich Town remains second in the Championship table, their lead has narrowed to just three points over Southampton after a four-game winless streak. McKenna acknowledged that improvements were possible but emphasized the reality of facing a QPR team with more championship experience. He highlighted the challenges posed by making numerous changes to the team simultaneously, stating that it was always going to be a difficult game.
Addressing the impact of a delayed start to the second half due to a medical emergency in the stands, McKenna stated that it didn’t significantly impact the game. He expressed sympathy for the family involved and commended the officials for handling the situation appropriately.
Looking ahead, Ipswich Town is set to face Stoke on New Year’s Day, providing another opportunity to bounce back from the recent challenges.
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