Ipswich Town’s defensive unit has come under the microscope this season, but recent performances suggest there are clear signs of progress. Central to that improvement has been Dara O’Shea, who has spoken candidly about the work being done at the back and the influence of Cedric Kipre alongside him.
O’Shea, a summer arrival, has quickly established himself as a leader in Kieran McKenna’s side. While Ipswich have been lauded for their attacking intent and high-energy approach, defensive solidity has at times been harder to come by. However, O’Shea insists the squad has been laying the foundations for improvement over recent weeks.
“We’ve been working a lot on the details,” O’Shea explained. “It’s about understanding when to step, when to hold, and being more compact as a unit. It’s not just the back four — it’s the whole team defending together.”
Those marginal gains have begun to show. Ipswich have looked more organised in their shape, limiting space between the lines and cutting down on the individual errors that previously proved costly. O’Shea highlighted communication as a key factor, stressing that trust between defenders is essential, particularly in a system that asks players to be brave in possession.
That trust has been evident in his growing partnership with Cedric Kipre. The towering centre-back has brought physicality and composure, offering balance to O’Shea’s more proactive defensive style. Kipre’s aerial dominance and willingness to engage early have allowed Ipswich to defend higher up the pitch, something McKenna values highly.
“Cedric’s been excellent,” O’Shea said. “He’s strong, he reads the game well, and he’s always talking. That makes a huge difference when you’re under pressure because you know you’ve got someone beside you who’s switched on.”
Kipre’s presence has also helped Ipswich deal more effectively with set-pieces, an area that has drawn scrutiny in the past. His ability to attack the ball has reduced the number of second phases opponents are able to capitalise on, while his calmness in possession has aided Ipswich’s build-up play from the back.
O’Shea was keen to emphasise that improvement is an ongoing process rather than a finished product. With Ipswich facing a demanding run of fixtures, maintaining defensive discipline will be crucial if they are to continue picking up points.
“There’s still a lot to improve,” he admitted. “We’re honest with ourselves. We look at the clips, we talk through what we can do better, and then we take it onto the training pitch. That mindset has to stay the same.”
McKenna’s tactical structure has given defenders clear responsibilities, but O’Shea believes the key lies in consistency. Reducing lapses in concentration, particularly late in games, remains a priority as Ipswich look to turn solid performances into clean sheets.
For O’Shea and Kipre, the challenge is clear: keep building, keep communicating, and keep setting standards. If Ipswich can maintain their recent defensive improvements, they will give themselves a platform to fully express their attacking strengths — and that balance could prove decisive as the season progresses.
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