“TACTICAL MASTERSTROKE”- Kieran McKenna masterstroke could deliver Ipswich Town promotion

Kieran McKenna has long been regarded as one of the brightest coaching minds in the EFL — and the Ipswich Town manager may have just made a tactical tweak that could turn into a promotion-defining masterstroke for the Tractor Boys.

After their relegation from the Premier League last season, Ipswich entered the 2025/26 Championship campaign as strong title favourites. Yet, the start to life back in the second tier has been inconsistent, with the Suffolk side sitting outside the top six after 13 matches.

Despite possessing one of the most talented squads in the division, Ipswich have struggled for attacking fluency and overall cohesion.

That said, McKenna’s current team looks vastly different from the one that stormed to promotion in 2023/24, and perhaps it was always going to take time for him to re-establish rhythm and balance. Now, that adjustment period may finally be paying off.

Marcelino Núñez — the missing link?

Throughout his time at Portman Road, McKenna has favoured a 4-2-3-1 system, with his attacking midfielder typically playing more like a second striker than a traditional No.10.

Whether it’s been Conor Chaplin in the past, or Sammie Szmodics and Chuba Akpom this season, McKenna’s preference for attack-minded players in that role has been clear.

However, Ipswich’s situation has changed. No longer the fearless underdogs punching above their weight, they are now the team that opponents aim to frustrate. To progress, McKenna may need more control rather than constant attacking chaos.

In the recent clash against QPR, McKenna handed Marcelino Núñez — who controversially joined from rivals Norwich City in the summer — the chance to play as an attacking midfielder, even though he’s usually deployed deeper in midfield.

The Chilean offered a calmer presence, focusing on ball retention and composure rather than relentless attacking runs. The result? Núñez struck twice as Ipswich thrashed QPR 4–1 at Loftus Road.

Yet, in the next match, McKenna reverted to type, restoring Akpom in the No.10 role behind George Hirst. The experiment faltered, with Akpom failing to register a goal or assist, and Núñez was later introduced from the bench as Ipswich drew 1–1.

That performance may have reinforced the idea that Núñez — or a similar player — should occupy that advanced midfield position, helping Ipswich control matches through possession rather than relying solely on counterattacks.

Fixing Ipswich’s midfield imbalance

This summer saw a major overhaul in Ipswich’s engine room. Defensive midfielder Azor Matusiwa arrived from Stade Rennais, while Jens Cajuste returned from Napoli.

With experienced duo Massimo Luongo and Sam Morsy departing, the balance in midfield shifted drastically.

Where Luongo and Morsy complemented each other with contrasting roles — one sitting, one driving forward — Matusiwa and Cajuste are both defensively minded. Though composed on the ball, neither naturally dictates tempo.

Jack Taylor’s inclusion against QPR brought some balance, but it’s clear that pairing Cajuste and Matusiwa works best when supported by a link player like Núñez in front of them — someone who can bridge the gap between defence and attack.

While McKenna’s reputation took a slight hit following relegation and a mixed start to this season, his willingness to adapt tactically could prove crucial.

If this new approach continues to click, Ipswich Town may once again find themselves knocking on the Premier League’s door.

It’s now up to McKenna to stay the course — and let his masterplan unfold.