大象传媒

McKenna on Man City, injuries and more 'good additions' to come

  • Published

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester City (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • On Ipswich's opening loss to Liverpool: "It was a great experience for us to go through, the most overriding feeling after the game was positivity and the group came away more confident from the game that we can be competitive this season."

  • He said his side "felt first hand how a team the calibre of Liverpool can go through the gears, they became a huge threat very quickly and had a number of big chances in quick succession so we need to manage that better."

  • He thinks Manchester City are "an even bigger challenge - the big goal is to get points but underneath that it's about coming out of the weekend stronger and we use it as a way to fast-track our adjustment to the league."

  • On prolific City striker Erling Haaland: "He is pretty unique in world football; in terms of his physical attributes and his strength, pace and power - there's probably not anyone in the modern game that comes close in these aspects."

  • New signing Jens Cajuste may be involved on Saturday and McKenna said: "He's a different profile to the midfielders we already have, he's a very talented player - there will be a period of adjustment but I think he's going to be a good addition to the group."

  • McKenna thinks the side are now strong in the midfield area but "there are still some areas we feel we want to add to, the forward area is one of those". He added: "With the level of the league and how we operate, we need great depth in those areas. We want to add different qualities that will help us be successful in the Premier League."

  • On Armando Broja, who is reportedly set to join on loan from Chelsea, he said: "There is nothing confirmed yet, until there is any confirmation - I think that is still a little way away."

  • Wes Burns has had a scan on his hamstring this week and he will be out for "a number of weeks". McKenna said it is a "blow because he's an important player for our system". Goalkeeper Arijanet Muric is doubtful but on-loan midfielder Kalvin Phillips is unable to play against his parent club.