Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna acknowledged the overwhelming disappointment in his team’s dressing room after their dramatic 2-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth at Portman Road.
The Blues had led 1-0 thanks to Conor Chaplin’s first Premier League goal, only to concede in the 87th minute and deep into injury time. McKenna also expressed frustration over the disallowed first-half goal that could have doubled their lead, describing it as “harshly ruled out.”
“It’s a devastated dressing room today,” McKenna admitted. “I thought there were so many good things in the game, so many good things in the performance. The commitment levels were outstanding, and some of our play was really, really good right up to the point of their first goal. It’s a disappointed group because we felt like we deserved to take the lead, felt like we had a second goal which was harshly overruled, to be honest, and had chances in the second half.”
Reflecting on the game’s conclusion, McKenna added, “On 86 minutes, I think we were in as much control of the game as you can be at 1-0 against a team of that level. There wasn’t a huge threat; we were defending well. A really poor first goal from our point of view changed the momentum, and then they have the quality to execute really well for the second goal. It’s an extremely disappointed group. I don’t think we got what we deserved as individuals or as a squad from the game.”
When asked if the team’s recent late-game heartbreaks signaled a season of ill fortune, McKenna rejected the notion. “Certainly not a feeling of it not being meant to be,” he said. “We feel like we could have had more points than we do. But it’s not time to feel sorry for ourselves. We need to work, keep pushing our level, and own the mistakes we made late in the game. It’s not luck; there are things we can do better.”
McKenna praised individual performances, particularly from Cameron Burgess and Jack Taylor, highlighting their journey from lower leagues to the Premier League. “Cameron was fantastic. He was excellent in defence and showed composure on the ball. Jack started the season as our fifth-choice midfielder and was outstanding in his first Premier League start. It tells me the group is improving and adapting.”
Regarding limited options from the bench, McKenna explained his reluctance to make early substitutions. “It was hard to make subs early today because the players were doing so well. We were controlling the second half really, really well until exhaustion hit a few players.”
On Liam Delap’s apparent ankle issue, McKenna noted fatigue rather than injury as the primary concern. “It was his third Premier League game, and he was tired. The demands on him and Omari [Hutchinson] have been higher than we’d planned.”
McKenna also praised the team’s effort and reiterated his belief in their potential. “As much as we’re disappointed with the result, I’d like to think the supporters can take pride in how the players are acquitting themselves.”
On a reported medical emergency in the directors’ box during the match, McKenna deferred to the club’s forthcoming statement, saying, “I wasn’t aware of it during the match; I’ve been filled in since.”
Looking ahead, McKenna emphasized the need to stay positive. “It’s a disappointing week for us, but I don’t think we’re too far away against really good sides. The players believe in the way we’re working and improving. We’re on a path, and I believe in it.”
