Why Kieran McKenna's Ipswich Are PERFECT For The Premier League

Ipswich Town have reached the Premier League for the first time in over two decades. What's more they've done so while building an incredible reputation for open, dynamic, attacking football.

It's invited all manner of speculation of boss Kieran McKenna's future, but Adam Clery looks at his side to assess exactly why the Premier League might be in for a rude awakening when the Tractor Boys arrive next season.

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[mathertom]

"Not having a play style, does that not fascinate you?'

*cries into his United shirt*

[gsampson]

I hope we see more stuff for the less covered teams, my dad's an Ipswich fan and he's so excited they're back in the prem. Think I'll show him this later

[tractorboy]

I am a life long Ipswich supporter, having been at Wembley in 1978, at Oxford clinching promotion & again at Wembley at the play off final I can say since then its been tough but loyal supporters stick with their teams through thick and thin & to say we have been rewarded is an understatement, I still cannot believe it & I am so looking forward to next season no matter what happens, proud to be a Town fan 💙⚽️ COYB

[ahmadsajid]

Who’s here after Poch got sacked and heard rumors about us getting Mckenna 😭

[sohamsinharay]

If they can somehow survive the first season back, they can build on the technical foundations and look to become the next Brentford/Palace. Being good at multiple styles of play and having a pragmatic approach would suit a mid table aspirant.

[soumitratarafder]

Watching this just after Poch has left Chelsea 🤦‍♂️

[Ulfcytel]

Re-signing or replacing Hutchinson is going to be quite important to how we do next season. Like Chaplin, he is a player who can *make things happen* . Actually, there's a few in the team who can do that, but Omari's form was just climbing rapidly in the last weeks of the season. His decisionmaking had improved massively since the early stages of the loan, finding the right balance between wanting to do too much by himself and utilising the players around him.

The adaptability and lack of stylistic/formational rigidity I think comes from League One, where you can play all the pretty football you like, but the 10-man block has to be broken down somehow. You don't turn down any route to getting goals. McKenna's first half-season, the latter part of 2021-22, was characterised by defensive solidity, but often struggling to get the ball into the opposition net. I think he learnt from that and made chance-creation from all sources a priority. Particularly shooting from outside, or on the edge of the box.

[artform_]

For me, an avid Town fan who watched almost every game this season; Morsy (and the combative CDM role in general) for our team was the most vital component of them all.
He was an absolute monster last season, and this season too. And he's our captain. Having him as a ever-present protection for our backline, and holding balls up and driving forward (both of which he's amazing at) and also having the ability to play balls out from that inside defensive area; this all allows our other holding midfielder, in your example Luongo (and for much of the season) to be more creative, forward thinking and adaptable - this is also where you see them dropping in to cover other positions.

[VeryFinnishProblems]

What brilliant analysis! I've been a Town fan for over 40 years and this team is definitely up there's with Bobby and Burley's boys! They're such a joy to watch and thanks to this fantastic video, I'm now even clearer on why. Big thanks for taking the time to do it! 🚜💙🔥⬆

[guitaringjarmin]

The biggest change to Ipswich's fortunes was the ownership. The dark days of Marcus Evans sent the club into a deep pit of depression (think Roy Keane and the four Paul's) but the new owners have invested heavily in restructuring everything within the club, and were the ones who took a chance on McKenna which turned into a genius move. Everything they did paid off so well that Ipswich still have most of their league 1 side playing first team and they absolutely demolished the championship. Prem will be the real test but McKenna isn't a fluke, and doesn't seem the type to buy an entire new team before the season starts like other clubs have tried and failed at

[phillipwathitu]

The Ipswich video I had been waiting for! What surprised me is they kept winning even when I did not expect them to. Excited to see what they bring to the premier league.

[mrgianstarr]

Maidstone Utd fan here and I am very excited to see Ipswich play in PL next season having been at Portman Road for the unforgettable FA cup 4th round away win back in January

[aswad]

"Loved this video, more of this please :) I am not a football fan actually, but recently I have started to love watching these types of videos. It shows how complex this sport is and how tough it is to be a manager. You need to be a master strategist and tactician. I will be watching more football next season.

[obi-kenkenobi]

When I heard he might be the next Chelsea coach I was dumbfounded. But after watching this... Idk I'm not gonna lie, kinda intrigued. I wanna go for it and see what happens

[stevphen]

Recently Ancelotti made similar points about how Real does not have a defined playstyle or identity but responds pragmatically to the situations in ways that make the most of their players skills. And if it’s good enough for Don Carlo, well then….

[itfcdan]

I honestly believe Ipswich are going to surprise a few next season, McKenna is a wizard 🚜💙

[abelstretford]

Ipswich 5-0 Man United

Ten Hag masterclass incoming. Heard it here first

[staggabob]

I loved this video, never seen such a detailed breakdown of the team and tactics! Uppa Towen 😊

[johnbarnes]

Fucks sakes, I’ve been trying to calm down after the game on Saturday, now I can’t bloody wait for August!!!

[elxslve]

dont think im ever gonna get used to seeing my team on your channel