adminFurious Ipswich manager Regis le bris delivered HONEST verdict following 2-2 v win Derby Count
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna acknowledged that his team needs to improve in dealing with “broken” games of football after their 2-2 draw with Derby County at Portman Road.
The Blues took the lead through Jacob Greaves’ header from a corner in the 33rd minute. However, a handball from Leif Davis in the box led to a penalty for Derby’s Carlton Morris, who leveled the score at 1-1 in the 50th minute.
Ipswich then felt hard done by when George Hirst was booked for “simulation” after appearing to be clipped in the box by Matt Clarke, and there was a controversial incident involving former Ipswich loanee Lewis Travis, who escaped a red card after kicking out at Jens Cajuste.
The game turned when a long ball led to Rhian Brewster putting Derby ahead in the 70th minute.
Ipswich struggled to get back into the match, but in the dying moments, Jack Taylor won a penalty in the box, and Jack Clarke converted the spot-kick in the 90+16th minute to earn a point.
McKenna reflected on the game afterward: “There were two phases to the match. Up until their goal, I thought we played well, continuing the improvements we’ve made week by week. But we should have been 2-0 up before that.
We had chances and control, but then the game changed after their goal. The Championship can turn so quickly, especially against teams who play direct football. You’re just one long ball or bounce away from conceding.”
He went on to describe the period after Derby’s goal as the “most broken” football he’d ever been involved in: “It wasn’t even a football match.
The game was so fragmented, and decisions didn’t help. We should’ve had the chance to go 2-1 up, but we conceded a poor goal from a long ball. Then Derby did everything they could to kill the game off.”
McKenna praised his team for finding an equalizer in the 96th minute, calling it a rare moment at Portman Road: “That late equalizer is a big positive for us.
It’s something we haven’t had for a long time here. It’s important that we keep fighting, and we’ve got subs involved in making the difference, which is great.”
He also reflected on the team’s growth: “You can see the direction we’re heading in. There’s potential, and we’re seeing improvements.
But there are challenges in this division, and we’re not quite there yet in terms of full consistency and confidence. We lost our way after their first goal, and we need to learn from that.”
When asked about Derby boss John Eustace’s complaints over the added stoppage time and the controversial incidents, McKenna countered: “I’m going to disagree with everything he said.
It was a broken game, and the refereeing decisions didn’t help us. The ball in play time has been incredibly low this season, and it’s making the games difficult to watch.”
Regarding Ipswich’s slow start to the season, McKenna said: “We’ve had a tough summer, and it’s been the most challenging period since I’ve been here. We’ve come through that, and now we move on to the next chapter.
We’re not far off getting the first win, and once we’ve got the depth and quality in the squad, we’ll be in a strong position.”
He concluded: “The next phase is crucial. We need to bring the group together, build mental strength, and keep working hard on the training pitch.
It’s going to be tough, especially with the international break, but I’m excited for the challenges ahead. We have what we need to be successful, and it’s up to us to get results and continue improving.”
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