Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has spoken candidly about Jacob Greaves and the club’s centre-back options as the Blues continue to navigate the demands of a long and competitive campaign. Defensive stability has been a cornerstone of Ipswich’s success under McKenna, and the manager’s comments highlight both confidence in his current squad and an awareness of the challenges ahead.
Jacob Greaves has been one of the standout performers at the heart of Ipswich’s defence this season. The former Hull City captain arrived with a reputation for leadership and composure, and he has quickly lived up to expectations. McKenna has praised Greaves not only for his defensive qualities but also for the calmness he brings to build-up play, a key requirement in Ipswich’s possession-based system.
“Jacob has adapted really well,” McKenna said. “He’s shown maturity, physicality, and a good understanding of what we’re trying to do with and without the ball.” Those attributes have made Greaves a reliable option in big matches, particularly against sides that look to press high or play direct football.
However, McKenna was keen to stress that Greaves is not carrying the defensive burden alone. Ipswich boast several centre-back options, each offering something slightly different. Players such as Luke Woolfenden, Cameron Burgess, and other rotational options have all played important roles at various stages, whether through injury cover, tactical rotation, or fixture congestion.
Woolfenden, a long-serving Ipswich player, continues to be valued for his understanding of the club and his ability to play out from the back. Burgess, meanwhile, brings aerial dominance and experience, particularly useful against physical opponents. McKenna believes this balance gives Ipswich flexibility, allowing them to tailor their defensive pairing depending on the opposition.
“What’s important is competition,” McKenna explained. “We’ve got players pushing each other every day in training. That raises the level across the group and ensures we’re prepared for different scenarios.” This competition has been evident in team selection, with McKenna rotating sensibly while maintaining defensive cohesion.
Injuries and suspensions are an inevitable part of any season, and McKenna acknowledged that depth at centre-back is crucial. While Ipswich have coped well so far, the manager admitted that managing workloads and maintaining sharpness will be vital, especially during busy periods where matches come thick and fast.
There has also been speculation about whether Ipswich might look to strengthen defensively in the transfer window. McKenna did not commit either way, instead emphasizing trust in the current group. “We’re always reviewing the squad,” he said. “But we’re happy with the players we have and the way they’re developing.”
For Greaves, the focus remains on consistency. McKenna believes the defender is still improving and has the potential to reach an even higher level. “He’s ambitious, he wants to learn, and that’s exactly what you want in a player,” the Ipswich boss added.
As Ipswich Town continue to push their objectives this season, the centre-back situation appears to be in safe hands. With Greaves anchoring the defence and strong options around him, McKenna has the tools he needs to keep the Blues solid at the back while staying true to their progressive style of play.
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