Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna acknowledged that Liverpool’s superior quality was evident in the second half at Portman Road, as Arne Slot marked his Premier League debut with a 2-0 victory.
McKenna, who showed appreciation to the fans after the defeat, saw his team hold their own in the first half, but the visitors stepped up their performance after the break.
Goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah, scored in the 60th and 65th minutes, secured the three points for Liverpool on their first trip to Ipswich since February 2002.
Reflecting on the match, McKenna admitted that Liverpool’s class made the difference, particularly in the second half, though he noted several positives from his side’s first-half display.
“I thought it was a really strong first-half performance. We made it a really difficult game for Liverpool, we pressed really well, our organisation was really good, we were physical and good in possession.
“We showed a good mixture between our bravery and composure and use our physical presence in the top line. We gave a really, really strong team a lot of problems.
“The challenge then is that we have to be able to do that for 90 minutes or in the periods where we can’t be like that we have to find ways to manage the game and be how we want to be.
“The second half was difficult and Liverpool kicked into their stride and the game got away from us.
“But the players should be proud of their effort. They should feel more confident they can competed at this level but know there are areas where they need to improve.”
McKenna, who has guided Ipswich to consecutive promotions to the Premier League, remarked: “The supporters were fantastic, and there were moments in the first half that were as good as any I’ve experienced since I’ve been here. Several different factors contributed to that.”
“There weren’t huge difference tactically, Trent (Alexander-Arnold) played a little higher on the right. But our physical level dropped and that was the reality of it, and that’s understandable given the efforts of the first half and the fact we are very early on (in the season) and we had a lot of players playing their first ever game at Premier League level and there’s an adjustment to that intensity.
“Liverpool showed their quality in the top line especially and their ability to use the space in behind and play the ball in for the fast runners.
“We had to learn how to manage the period in the second half when Liverpool were in full flow and playing really well. They are a fantastic team and were much the better team in the second half.”
