Ipswich Manager Kieran McKenna on How Easily Games Can Get Away From His Team

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna spoke with BBC Match of the Day following his team’s significant defeat, remarking: “A difficult day for us. The opponent was strong and they, of course, scored the goal in the first seconds, which makes it difficult.” McKenna acknowledged that “We had moments during the first-half where we had the ball and managed to play through them, but overall we weren’t able to stop their attacking threats. They had too much for us.” He further stated: “I don’t think our game management in general was good enough. They are a very good side. We needed to show more resilience, stay in the game until half-time and keep the game tight. We didn’t recognise the state of the game well enough and we didn’t make enough good decisions to stay in the game and attack the second-half.” Regarding his half-time discussion with the squad, McKenna disclosed it involved “Bits about the first-half and how we managed it. There were also opportunities there for us and we were getting into good positions, but it was mostly about needing to show the right characteristics in the second-half.” He elaborated on these necessary traits, explaining the team “needed to show humility, we needed to defend better, we needed to show a better level of organisation and resilience, and we needed to get the next goal. If we had done that then the game could go in one direction.” However, the opposing team “Of course they got the next goal, and then you are really trying to see out the game in the best way you can.” McKenna reflected on the team’s overall performance, noting: “We know how well we have been doing to be competitive. It is a huge jump for the group and we don’t have to be far off for games to run away from us.” He concluded this point by stating: “We were off our level. If we do that against a good side, like Newcastle, then they can open you up. It’s a lesson for us. It’s probably going to happen a few times in the season.” Addressing Sam Morsy’s suspension, McKenna commented: “That’s disappointing. We are [already] missing some players that are really important for us and we will be against Arsenal, so that’s a challenge, but it’s up to us to rise to that.”