Cédric Kipré, a defender currently on loan at Ipswich Town, has expressed his desire to remain at Portman Road beyond the current season. The French player, who has previous experience with clubs like West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic, and Cardiff City, returned from Reims in July. His loan agreement includes an option for Ipswich to secure him permanently.
Kipré’s Ambition for Promotion
With a total of 186 appearances in the Championship but no experience in the Premier League, Kipré is driven by his ambition to reach the top tier of English football. He emphasized the importance of promotion to his career goals. “I hope we get promoted and I can stay here; I enjoy it very much,” Kipré stated. He believes that Ipswich has a strong chance to return to the Premier League and is committed to contributing to the club’s success.
Recent Performance and Team Dynamics
Recently, Ipswich Town secured a convincing 3-0 victory against Coventry City, which marked only the team’s second defeat of the season. Goals from Sindre Walle Egeli, George Hirst, and Iván Azón showcased the team’s offensive capabilities. Kipré praised the collective effort, noting, “It was a solid win, very mature. Another clean sheet is great for the group.”
- Walle Egeli’s goal marked his second for the club.
- Kipré highlighted his potential and talents, mentioning his technique and focus.
Upcoming Matches and Personal Milestones
The team is set to face Stoke City at home, who are struggling with form after losing four of their last five games. Kipré, who celebrated his 29th birthday recently, views another victory as the perfect gift.
“They seem like a decent team, but I hope their confidence has dipped after the weekend,” he added. “It’s going to be a good match.”
International Aspirations
Apart from club football, Kipré aims to represent the Ivory Coast internationally. Although he was left out of the squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, he remains motivated for future opportunities, including the World Cup in North America. “Not being included is disappointing, but I’ll focus on Ipswich and work towards getting called up next time,” he said.
Settling into Life in Suffolk
Reflecting on his life in Suffolk, Kipré noted how smoothly he has integrated with his new teammates, many of whom he already knew. He enjoys the support from fans and often interacts with them during walks with his dog.
“I have felt very welcome here, and that’s something I truly appreciate,” Kipré concluded.
His standout moment this season was scoring in the East Anglian derby against Norwich City, a significant match for both him and the club. It’s a memory he cherishes, highlighting the significance of such events in his career.
