Kieran McKenna, manager of Ipswich Town, acknowledged that Liverpool displayed their superior quality in the second half at Portman Road as Arne Slot began his Premier League tenure with a 2-0 victory. Goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah secured the win for the Reds on their first visit to Ipswich in nearly twenty years.
Following a competitive first half, Liverpool upped their game after the break and missed several scoring opportunities before Jota and Salah found the back of the net in the 60th and 65th minutes, respectively.
McKenna praised his team’s strong performance in the first half, highlighting their effective pressing, organization, physicality, and possession play. He commended their ability to challenge a formidable opponent but admitted they struggled to maintain that level of play throughout the entire match.
Despite the defeat, McKenna encouraged his players to take pride in their efforts and gain confidence from their ability to compete at the Premier League level. He emphasized the need for improvement and adaptation to the intensity of top-flight football.
The manager also credited the fans for their support and acknowledged the adjustments needed to face a team of Liverpool’s caliber. He recognized the Reds’ offensive prowess and their success in exploiting space and utilizing their pace.
In conclusion, McKenna recognized Liverpool’s dominance in the second half and admitted that Ipswich needed to learn how to manage such periods of adversity. He praised the opposition’s quality and acknowledged their superiority in the match.
