Kieran McKenna’s journey with Ipswich Town is nothing short of remarkable. The manager has successfully navigated the team through back-to-back promotions and adapted to the rigours of the Premier League.
This piece delves into McKenna’s pragmatic approach to top-flight football, the significance of Omari Hutchinson, and the principles of building from the back.
Adapting to Premier League Demands
McKenna’s tactic of high pressing and aggressive play has been a signature of Ipswich Town’s recent success, with the team amassing 194 points and 193 goals across back-to-back promotions. However, the same strategy has faced limitations in the Premier League, where the dynamics are fundamentally different.
McKenna acknowledges the need for flexibility in style with the new season, emphasising the importance of adapting to the higher levels of competition. Seven players from their League One days started in their opening Premier League match against Liverpool, but even this familiar setup has its boundaries.
A Pragmatic Philosophy
Hard work and aggression have always been the core values of McKenna’s football philosophy. Yet, he is realistic about adapting these principles within the Premier League context. The manager has shown a willingness to evolve, integrating £100m worth of new arrivals over the summer into the squad.
McKenna states, “It’s trying to be competitive in each game, trying to improve and develop our style and find out what that is going to be for us at this level, what that’s going to look like home and away – and trying to win every game while we’re at it.”
Facing Premier League Giants
McKenna has remained transparent about the challenges of facing top-tier teams. He openly discussed the potential of losing back-to-back games against formidable opponents like Liverpool and Manchester City.
The philosophy remains consistent: to be brave, dominant, and aggressive with and without the ball. Yet, the manager understands the reality of adjusting to the Premier League, where every match demands a unique strategy.
“We can’t allow the game to become open and stretched against every opponent now,” McKenna asserts, explaining the need to revert to building from the back and being hard to beat.
Defensive Solidity
Returning to their foundational defensive strategies has become imperative. In contrast to the Championship, where Ipswich could rely on fitness and tactical patterns to exploit open spaces, the Premier League demands a more cautious approach.
The objective is to adapt defensively to ensure that the team remains hard to beat. McKenna recalls his early days at Ipswich, where shoring up the defence was essential to their initial success. “When you step up a division, knowing you can be hard to beat, get a clean sheet, defend when you need to – that’s important,” he says.
The emphasis now is on analyzing each game individually to determine the level of aggression necessary for competitiveness. The team has been oriented towards controlling what they can, rather than setting specific points or goals.
Omari Hutchinson’s Impact
Omari Hutchinson, a key figure in the previous season, remains pivotal to Ipswich’s strategy. Despite his young age and lack of Premier League experience, Hutchinson has impressed with his pressing skills, leading the league in pressures.
“He found a really good football home here,” McKenna states, referencing the supportive environment that has allowed Hutchinson to thrive. The continuity afforded by retaining Hutchinson has been beneficial amidst a summer of significant squad turnover.
Hutchinson’s pressing capabilities were on full display in matches against Fulham and Liverpool, where he completed the most pressures. His integration into the squad has been seamless, reinforcing the team’s high pressing game, even at the top level.
Prospects for the Season
Ipswich’s start to the Premier League has been a mixed bag, with a few draws and a pressing need for an attacking depth. The potential signings of players like Armando Broja and Reiss Nelson fell through, placing additional emphasis on Hutchinson.
McKenna expresses contentment with the summer signings and stresses the importance of developing within the current squad framework. Against some of the world’s best defences, scoring may remain a challenge, but the primary focus is on remaining competitive and resilient.
The team’s ability to remain close to the pack is crucial, particularly given the number of teams still searching for their first win. Upcoming matches against clubs like Everton and Leicester provide opportunities to solidify their standing.
Adapting to New Challenges
The adaptability of McKenna and his team is set to be tested further. Facing top teams early in the season serves as a rapid learning curve, invaluable for understanding the demands of the Premier League.
McKenna remains optimistic, emphasising that playing against top-tier opponents is beneficial for adaptation. “There’s no better way to do that than play the teams at the top,” he reflects.
As Ipswich Town continues to navigate the challenges of the Premier League, McKenna’s pragmatic approach and focus on defence and adaptability will be crucial.
Building from the Back
Building from the back is more than just a defensive strategy for McKenna; it’s a return to basics that enabled their success in League One and the Championship. The emphasis on clean sheets and foundational defence is a strategic pivot necessary for their Premier League campaign.
Kieran McKenna’s evolution with Ipswich Town is a testament to his adaptability and pragmatic management style. The Premier League presents new challenges, but his focus on defensive solidity and tactical flexibility offers Ipswich a fighting chance.
Omari Hutchinson’s role remains significant, reflecting the continuity and new potential within the squad. As Ipswich Town faces the rigours of top-flight football, McKenna’s grounded approach aims to ensure they remain competitive and resilient. Their journey will undoubtedly be one to watch.
