“The Game Got Away From Us” – Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna on Liverpool’s Impressive Performance | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Quality Overpowers Ipswich Town Despite Early Resilience: Kieran McKenna’s Reflections

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna faced the harsh realities of Premier League football after his side’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Portman Road. In a game that saw Ipswich compete admirably for the first 45 minutes, the gulf in class became evident as Liverpool turned on the style in the second half, leaving McKenna to acknowledge the inevitable.

Liverpool’s Dominance in the Second Half

Liverpool’s victory, courtesy of goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah, marked a successful start to Arne Slot’s tenure in the Premier League. The Reds, making their first appearance at Portman Road since 2002, needed just five minutes after the hour mark to secure the win. Jota opened the scoring on the hour, with Salah doubling the lead just five minutes later. While Ipswich had held their own in the first half, the second period belonged to Liverpool as they demonstrated the calibre of a top Premier League side.

Photo: IMAGO

McKenna was frank in his post-match assessment, admitting that his players struggled to cope with Liverpool’s increased tempo and quality after the break. “There were a lot of positives to take, mostly in the first half,” McKenna said. “I thought it was a really strong first-half performance. We made it a really difficult game for Liverpool, we pressed really well, our organisation was really good, we were physical and good in possession.”

Ipswich Town’s First-Half Positives

Despite the final scoreline, McKenna emphasised the positives from the first 45 minutes. Ipswich Town showed resilience, pressing Liverpool effectively and maintaining a strong defensive shape. Their physical approach and composure in possession created problems for the Reds, giving the home supporters plenty to cheer about.

“We showed a good mixture between our bravery and composure and used our physical presence in the top line. We gave a really, really strong team a lot of problems,” McKenna remarked. Indeed, Ipswich’s first-half display highlighted their potential to compete at this level, even if sustaining it for the full 90 minutes remains a challenge.

Challenge of Sustaining Intensity

However, the difference between a newly-promoted side and one of England’s elite became evident as the match wore on. Liverpool found another gear, and Ipswich struggled to keep pace. McKenna noted the difficulty in maintaining their first-half intensity, particularly given the demands of Premier League football.

“The challenge then is that we have to be able to do that for 90 minutes or, in the periods where we can’t be like that, we have to find ways to manage the game and be how we want to be,” McKenna said. “The second half was difficult and Liverpool kicked into their stride, and the game got away from us.”

Despite the defeat, McKenna remained positive about his team’s prospects. He praised his players’ efforts and encouraged them to take confidence from their first-half performance. “The players should be proud of their effort. They should feel more confident they can compete at this level but know there are areas where they need to improve.”

McKenna’s Perspective on Ipswich Town’s Growth

Having guided Ipswich Town to consecutive promotions, Kieran McKenna is no stranger to overcoming challenges. Yet, he acknowledges that the step up to the Premier League presents a different level of competition. The manager praised the support of the fans and recognised the physical toll the match took on his players, particularly those experiencing their first taste of Premier League football.

Photo: IMAGO

“The supporters were great, and there were moments in the first half where it was as good as it has been when I’ve been here. There weren’t huge differences tactically, Trent (Alexander-Arnold) played a little higher on the right. But our physical level dropped, and that was the reality of it, and that’s understandable given the efforts of the first half,” McKenna explained.

As Ipswich Town continues to adjust to life in the Premier League, McKenna’s reflections highlight the fine margins between success and failure at this level. The task ahead for Ipswich will be to build on their positives while addressing the areas where improvement is needed. With McKenna at the helm, the Tractor Boys will look to establish themselves as a competitive force in the top flight, learning from encounters against the likes of Liverpool.