Ipswich Town have earned just four points from their first eight Premier League matches, with manager Kieran McKenna reflecting on the broader context following a 2-0 defeat to Everton.
McKenna has already utilized 26 players so far this season. The only ones yet to appear in league action are third-choice goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, back-up left-back Conor Townsend, and Nathan Broadhead, who has just regained fitness.
Several factors contribute to the squad rotation. Six playersâSammie Szmodics, Kalvin Phillips, Jens Cajuste, Jack Clarke, Dara O’Shea, and Chiedozie Ogbeneâjoined Ipswich late in the transfer window.
Injuries have also played a role, with Harry Clarke, Broadhead, George Hirst, and Ali Al-Hamadi missing pre-season time, while Aro Muric, Phillips, and Wes Burns have sat out games. Currently, Axel Tuanzebe, Jacob Greaves, Ben Johnson, Massimo Luongo, and Cajuste are sidelined.
“I make it three different center-back pairings, three different midfield partnerships, and six different combinations of the attacking trio behind the striker so far,” McKenna noted.
Reflecting on the season, McKenna said, “It was a challenging summer, a lot of the group didnât really come together until the end of August, and since then weâve had four weeks when players have been away on international duty.” He added, “Itâs not been very easy to get momentum and get into the season, especially when weâre having some injuries and weâre having to be put debutants in every week and new players in different partnerships with players they havenât played with before.”
Despite a rough start against Liverpool and Manchester City, four consecutive draws with Fulham, Brighton, Southampton, and Aston Villa had raised hopes. However, back-to-back losses to West Ham and Everton have dampened spirits.
“We want to have more points on the board than we do,” McKenna acknowledged. “Of course, itâs important to pick up points. Weâve played eight games and got results in four of them. If two of those had been wins, or even one more win, it would feel different.”
Sam Morsy is one of the few players to have started all eight games, with McKenna noting that Ipswich have remained competitive for stretches. “When we impose our structure, our patterns, our organization, on and off the ball, our individual quality shines, and we look competitive. But games can get away from you quickly, and the individual quality of opposition players can make it tough.”
He concluded, “For us, itâs about staying on the right path, continuing to do what we do well, but also being honest and open about what we need to improve.”
Ipswich’s rotation has been evident across positions, including three different center-back pairings and a variety of combinations in midfield and on the flanks. As McKenna’s side prepares for their upcoming fixture against Brentford, consistency and continuity remain key targets.
