Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has called on his players to show courage ahead of their tough trip to face Premier League title contenders Arsenal on Friday night.
The Blues are coming off a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Newcastle, which saw them struggle once again, with Alexander Isak scoring a hat-trick. Despite this setback, McKenna believes his squad has the ability to rise to the challenge, no matter how intimidating the task might appear.
“We have watched back through the game and had a look at the things that we need to do better – other than that, everyone is positive and looking forward to Arsenal,” McKenna remarked.
“We know we have got a great next game ahead – Arsenal on a Friday night at the Emirates is a fantastic one in the journey for this group of players and for the club.
“We need to show the right mentality first of all. It is a chance to show our togetherness, our spirit and resilience.
“Our organisation is going to have to be really good and we are going to have to show bravery in moments of the game as well to take them on in the way we want to.”
The match against Newcastle highlighted the cost of individual errors, but McKenna believes these can be minimized with the right attitude.
“It is about trying to make as many good decisions as possible,” McKenna explained.
“If we don’t make the right decision at the right time, then that is when more risk comes into it.
“It is about trying to develop the group, educating the players on different moments of the game and different situations, and what is the most appropriate decision to make in each situation.
“Then it is about working with them in that process because they are human beings.
“They are not going to get every judgement right in the level that we are operating at, the time and the margins to make your decisions are so, so, so fast.
“But it is also important to remember that these are split-second decisions and just work with the individuals to make the most appropriate decision at the right time as often as possible.”
Ipswich captain Sam Morsy will miss the game due to a suspension after receiving a fifth yellow card of the season in the loss to Newcastle, while striker Liam Delap is set to return following his own one-match ban.
On-loan Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who made his first appearance since early November last weekend, could also be available for selection.
“He didn’t feel anything from the game and he has been training well,” McKenna added. “I guess 100% will be when he has got a few more games under his belt, but the ankle issue he had is much better.”
