Kieran McKenna praised Ipswich Town’s professionalism, attacking intent and game management after his side secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, a result that further underlined their promotion credentials and relentless consistency this season. Speaking after the match, the Town boss highlighted both the performance and mentality of his players, particularly their response to key moments in the contest.
Ipswich started brightly and were rewarded for their early dominance, pressing Sheffield Wednesday high up the pitch and moving the ball with confidence and purpose. McKenna was especially pleased with the way his side controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, noting that the first half performance laid the foundations for the win.
“We started the game really well,” McKenna said. “The intensity, the speed of our passing, and our movement off the ball were all at a very high level. We were aggressive without the ball and brave with it, which is exactly how we want to play.”
Town’s opener came as no surprise given their early pressure, and McKenna felt his team deserved the breakthrough. However, he was quick to point out that the match was not without its challenges, particularly after Sheffield Wednesday showed resilience and briefly threatened a comeback.
“The second goal was important,” he added. “But even then, you know in this league that games can change quickly. Wednesday kept going, and when they got their goal it was a reminder that you have to stay focused for every minute.”
McKenna acknowledged that Sheffield Wednesday’s goal created a nervy spell, but he was impressed by how calmly Ipswich dealt with it. Rather than retreating, Town continued to play on the front foot, restoring their two-goal cushion and ultimately putting the game beyond doubt.
“The response was excellent,” McKenna said. “We didn’t panic, we didn’t lose our shape, and we didn’t stop doing the right things. That’s a big sign of the maturity and belief in this group.”
The Ipswich manager also singled out the collective effort of his squad, praising the balance between attacking flair and defensive discipline. While the goals will grab the headlines, McKenna was keen to stress that the work off the ball was just as important.
“Our defensive work starts from the front,” he explained. “The forwards were brilliant in their pressing, the midfield covered huge distances, and the back line dealt well with what they had to face. It was a real team performance.”
McKenna also used the opportunity to highlight the atmosphere and support from the stands, describing the connection between the players and supporters as a key factor in Ipswich’s momentum.
“The crowd were fantastic again,” he said. “You can feel the belief around the club, and that gives the players extra energy. We want Portman Road to be a really difficult place for any team to come.”
Despite the positive result, McKenna remained grounded, stressing that there is still a long way to go in the season. He urged his players to stay focused and continue improving, warning against complacency as the pressure intensifies.
“It’s another good step, but it’s only one game,” McKenna concluded. “The league is incredibly competitive, and every match demands our full attention. If we keep this level of performance and mindset, we give ourselves a great chance—but nothing is guaranteed.”
Ipswich’s 3-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday may have strengthened their position, but under McKenna’s steady leadership, the message remains clear: consistency, humility, and hard work will be the driving forces behind Town’s ambitions.
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