Ipswich Town defender Ben Johnson insists the Blues will approach their FA Cup fourth-round tie at Wrexham with the same focus and intensity that has defined their Championship campaign so far.
With the competition now reaching its business end, there is naturally a sense of excitement surrounding the trip to north Wales. But Johnson has been clear: the mindset inside the Ipswich dressing room remains unchanged. For him and his teammates, preparation is preparation, regardless of the opponent or the stage.
“The approach doesn’t shift just because it’s the cup,” Johnson explained. “We prepare to win every game. Whether it’s league or FA Cup, we know what’s expected of us.”
Ipswich’s rise over the past two seasons has been built on consistency and belief. Under their current project, standards have not dipped between competitions. That is something Johnson believes has become part of the club’s identity. The Blues have earned a reputation for aggressive pressing, controlled possession and defensive discipline — traits that will be vital against a Wrexham side equally determined to make a statement on home soil.
Wrexham, now competing in the Championship themselves, have enjoyed an impressive climb through the English football pyramid in recent years. Backed by strong support and momentum, they present a different kind of challenge at the Racecourse Ground. Johnson, however, sees familiarity rather than fear in facing another second-tier side.
“It’s another Championship team,” he said. “We know the level, we know the quality. That means it’ll come down to the basics — work rate, concentration, and taking your chances.”
For Johnson personally, the tie represents another opportunity to underline his importance at the back. Comfortable at right-back or in a more advanced role, he has added athleticism and composure to Ipswich’s defensive line. His ability to recover quickly and contribute going forward could prove crucial in what many expect to be a tight contest.
The defender also highlighted the importance of mentality in knockout football. Unlike league fixtures, where there is room to recover from setbacks over 46 games, the FA Cup allows no such margin for error.
“One lapse and you’re out,” he admitted. “So it’s about staying switched on for the full ninety minutes — or longer if needed.”
Ipswich’s recent form suggests they are well equipped for that challenge. Defensive solidity has been a cornerstone of their campaign, with clean sheets providing a platform for attacking players to flourish. Johnson credits collective responsibility rather than individual brilliance for that stability.
“It starts from the front,” he said. “Everyone defends, everyone presses. That’s why we’ve been hard to break down.”
For supporters, the FA Cup always carries a certain romance. A deep run can lift a season and create memories that last decades. Yet Johnson’s words underline a pragmatic outlook within the squad. Respect the opponent, trust the process, and execute the game plan.
As Ipswich prepare for the journey to Wrexham, there is no sense of complacency — but equally, no deviation from the standards that have carried them this far. If Johnson’s calm confidence is anything to go by, the Blues will arrive in north Wales focused, disciplined and ready to prove that their mindset truly has not changed.
Be the first to comment