Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has stated that he would have like more depth in a few different places following a difficult run of games and a handful of player injuries.
The top three in the Championship simply cannot seem to get out of their own way. If Ipswich, Leicester City, or Leeds United had been able to maintain their form throughout the season, they may have easily won the league title.
Over the last five games, the trio has combined to drop 26 points. This puts the top of the second tier in an equal position as it was prior to this terrible run for all of the teams, and it has now raised the potential of Southampton causing an upset.
McKenna received the league’s Manager of the Season title over the weekend, following his team’s tie with Middlesbrough, and he discussed one of the reasons Town has struggled at this point in the season.
Kieran McKenna addresses Ipswich’s depth issue.
After receiving the prize, the 37-year-old stated that the lack of choices in some positions on his team has exacerbated the impact of the number of minutes his squad has had to play in recent weeks.
According to McKenna, via EADT, Town has had serious injuries to George Hirst and Wes Burns, which will keep them out until the final few games of the season at the most, resulting in a lot of minutes for some of his players.
McKenna told the BBC: “Some of the boys have played five games in the last 15 days, 90 minutes each, and we’d like to have a bit more depth in one or two places.
“That’s a lot of football, and each game came down to the wire. We’re the league’s most run-heavy club, and the boys gave it their all physically. I believe we’ll come out of this stronger.
“Now we have some time to exercise, prepare, and heal before we head into three games. We know it will be difficult, but it will be enjoyable, and I am confident we will give it our all.”
Ipswich may need an unusual hero.
Throughout these long, arduous seasons, players frequently emerge who have an excellent run over a three or four-game span. Something like that could be just what Town needs to get across the finish line.
Despite failing to win any of their last three matches, Ipswich’s fate remains in their control. They have apparent heavy hitters on their roster, such as Conor Chaplin and Kieffer Moore, but things aren’t going well for them right now.
A spark plug performance from Ali-Al Hamadi, or even someone who is out of favour, such as Kayden Jackson, may be the catalyst they need to propel themselves into one of the top two positions.
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