Ipswich Town center-back Cedric Kipre expressed his disappointment at not being selected for the upcoming African Cup of Nations Ivory Coast squad. Despite being eligible to represent Les Éléphants due to his parents’ heritage, the 29-year-old was left out of the squad, with Ivory Coast aiming to defend their title in Morocco from December 21 to January 18.
Reflecting on the announcement, Kipre shared, “The squad has just been announced, and I’m not going to AFCON. I’m a bit sad, to be honest, but it is what it is.” Although he received his first senior cap in a friendly against New Zealand last summer, he has not been called up since.
Looking ahead, Kipre affirmed that playing at the international level remains a goal, especially with Ivory Coast securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup. Amidst his focus on Ipswich, where he is currently on a season-long loan from French club Reims, he expressed optimism about a potential future call-up.
Regarding his time at Ipswich, Kipre acknowledged the support from the team and the manager, emphasizing his contentment with the playing time he has received. He credited the coaching staff for constructive feedback and highlighted the competitive squad dynamic that motivates players to excel.
Given the challenging decisions managers face with player rotations, Kipre recognized the depth of talent within Ipswich’s squad and the positive impact it has on performance and results. He praised his camaraderie with teammates like Jacob Greaves, stressing unity toward achieving shared objectives this season.
Reflecting on his memorable goal against Norwich City, which contributed to a historic win, Kipre expressed gratitude for the warm reception he has received from Ipswich fans. The welcoming atmosphere has made his transition seamless, with Kipre valuing the community support and interaction he experiences in the town.
Having experienced the nuances of different leagues during his career, Kipre noted the contrasting playing styles between the Championship and French football. While appreciating the competitiveness of both leagues, he highlighted the brisk pace and intensity of Championship matches that keep players on their toes.
Looking ahead, Kipre acknowledged his aspirations to play in the Premier League and expressed his commitment to improving and contributing to Ipswich’s promotion bid. With the club potentially having the option to secure his services permanently, Kipre voiced his desire to stay and continue his development with Ipswich, aligning his personal goals with the team’s overarching aim of returning to the Premier League.
