Kieran McKenna must be feeling the pressure and excitement of such a crucial game.
Kieran McKenna has been addressing the media in anticipation of Ipswich’s pivotal away match against Coventry City, with promotion hanging in the balance.
Ipswich Town is on the verge of potentially securing automatic promotion to the Premier League, just a year after returning to the Championship from League One.
The mastermind behind this unexpected success has been Kieran McKenna, and as the Suffolk-based side edge towards their last away game of the season against Coventry City, the former Manchester United coach has been speaking to the press.
Ipswich and McKenna face huge pressure after Hull slip-up
Certainly, McKenna is under immense pressure to capitalize on Ipswich’s promotion rivals, Leeds United, faltering against QPR last Friday. The team from West Yorkshire suffered a significant 4-0 defeat at Loftus Road, failing to create a cushion against Ipswich, who played on Saturday.
However, Ipswich faced their own setback, being pulled back multiple times in a 3-3 draw against Hull City in the Saturday evening match. Consequently, as they prepare for Tuesday’s game against Coventry, securing a win is crucial for Ipswich to firmly position themselves in the race for automatic promotion.
McKenna issues warning ahead of Sky Blues meeting
During his pre-match press conference, McKenna acknowledged his team’s recent poor form and highlighted the challenge of facing a side that recently competed fiercely against a Premier League powerhouse in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Commenting on the quality of Mark Robins’ team, McKenna stated via TWTD, “They’re an excellent side, no doubt about it. They’ve demonstrated their quality in cup competitions and their form in the league, particularly after the initial quarter of the season.”
““I’m sure they’re going to want to finish off strongly.”
In his discussions with the press, McKenna pointed out that Ipswich would be facing a team dealing with injuries, which could be an advantage for them. He mentioned, “They’ve got some players unavailable, but they have a deep squad with many good players, and I’m sure they’ll be motivated to perform well on Tuesday. We’ll prepare thoroughly and ensure we’re ready to deliver the performance we aim for.”
Additionally, McKenna emphasized that despite Coventry having nothing to play for, they won’t be easy opponents. He said, “We know they’re a strong side, and we understand they’ll be motivated to end the season positively.
We’re preparing for a tough Coventry team, especially since they’re playing at home against a top team like us. We expect them to make it challenging for us.”
McKenna aims to replicate the mentality of the previous run-in, drawing on the fresh memories of promotion from League One for many players and himself. He hopes that the experience gained during that successful campaign will prove beneficial now.
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a calm and confident approach, McKenna mentioned, “I sense a positive atmosphere within the group, and on the pitch, I don’t see us playing with nervousness. This mindset is crucial at this stage of the season. We are showing bravery, confidence, and a high level of intensity, which is vital.”
He also highlighted the team’s experience in handling similar situations, citing their past success during a challenging three-game week to achieve a significant goal. McKenna expressed confidence in the team’s ability to handle the pressure effectively once again.