Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has acknowledged the challenges of readjusting to the Championship following their recent relegation from the Premier League. The team is set to face Leicester City on Saturday, a matchup that pits two clubs coming off an unsuccessful season in the top flight.
Championship Challenges for Ipswich Town
Currently, Ipswich Town ranks fourth in the Championship, trailing the automatic promotion spots by five points. In contrast, Leicester City is struggling in 13th position, three points shy of the playoff contention. McKenna highlighted the difficulties teams face when transitioning back to the Championship.
The Effects of Relegation
- Different clubs experience varying degrees of difficulty post-relegation.
- A poor start can hinder momentum, making recovery challenging.
- Successful transitions often hinge on getting off to a good start.
McKenna reflected on the unique experiences of teams that have been relegated. He noted that some, like Luton Town, experienced consecutive drops, illustrating the volatile nature of team performance in English football.
Upcoming Match Against Leicester City
Despite Leicester City’s current form, McKenna anticipates a tough match. He noted that the Foxes are likely dissatisfied with their performance thus far this season. Nonetheless, Leicester remains a competitive team, possessing talent and potential.
- Leicester City has experienced inconsistency this season.
- McKenna believes they can still deliver strong performances.
- Exposure to skilled players and good coaching contributes to their capability.
The Ipswich boss emphasized the need for a “big performance” from his team to secure three points. He acknowledged Leicester’s footballing ability and praised their coach, Marti Cifuentes, for his organizational skills. McKenna remains focused on leading his team through this challenging period as they aim for promotion.
