Kieran McKenna Addresses Injuries, Fan Support, and Manchester United Match

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna addressed the media in advance of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester United, scheduled for a 16:30 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press conference: McKenna confirmed that Jacob Greaves, Jack Taylor, Kalvin Phillips, and Ben Johnson are all experiencing fitness concerns, making their availability for the match “touch and go.” Additionally, George Hirst “will be out with the injury he picked up in the Tottenham game which is really unfortunate.” He further stated: “We are going to put out the team we think gives us the best chance to win the game and I think we have enough depth at the moment to be competitive in the match. We will have some good options and hopefully if we can get a few players back in the next week or so we will have a strong squad available for a busy run of games.” Regarding the utilization of the international break, McKenna commented: “We’ve had the balance of a little bit of rest – because we know it is a busier spell coming up now right through until the March international fixtures – but also some good preparation time. Preparation time that has been important with the team we are facing next under new management… It’s been about getting them focused and ready for a big performance on Sunday.” Addressing the upcoming home game against United, he remarked: “Another fantastic occasion to have United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, coming to Portman Road for a game on a Sunday in front of a global audience. It is one to really embrace, one to really look forward to. The players are, the staff are and I’m sure the supporters are as well.” McKenna stated that the team needs to ensure their “mindset right” to handle the increased scrutiny surrounding the match, further noting: “There is a bit of extra buzz around games like these in the media, or around the town and with supporters, but that is something to just enjoy. It shouldn’t take anything away from our work. We have to focus on doing our jobs and preparing the gameplan as well as we can.” When asked about the distinct preparation required for facing a manager in their inaugural game, he explained: “The process is a little different. You tend to watch some games of the manager’s previous club, whether that is tactical things, technical things or even mental things that were important in that. You cross that between studying and analysing the players at the club and anything relevant from recent games that we think will probably come up again.” He conveyed that the “players can’t do this one by themselves” and will require a “big impact from the crowd,” elaborating: “In the moments when we are in the ascendency, having 30,000 behind us and pushing us is a big, big help. We can’t wait for the atmosphere on Sunday – it is going to be great and is always a big help for us.”