Kieran McKenna, manager of Ipswich Town, is convinced that his team can finish second behind Leeds United and revealed why in his most recent press conference.
Leeds are in second place heading into the weekend and have the opportunity to go four points ahead of The Tractor Boys when Daniel Farke’s side face QPR on Friday. Ipswich plays on Saturday evening.
Leeds are coming off a win over in-form Middlesbrough. Just four days later, Leeds are obliged to leave Elland Road once more, which has infuriated manager Farke this week.
Ipswich, on the other hand, had not played since April 13, a full fortnight ago. Ipswich’s FA Cup semi-final against Mark Robins’ side has been rescheduled for next Tuesday night due to Coventry’s participation.
Speaking ahead of his team’s trip to Hull, Ipswich manager McKenna detailed why he believes his side can finish second behind Leeds. All Ipswich needs to do is win to finish second; it is still in their control.
The Ipswich manager also stated at his press conference that he has not been following Leeds since he does not like to pay attention to clubs in and surrounding Ipswich.
Kieran McKenna on why he is certain Ipswich will finish above Leeds
“To be honest, I don’t monitor the teams around us. I don’t invest emotional energy into it. There have been a number of games that could include us, but I don’t spend much time on them,” McKenna said.
“We understood going into a two-week vacation with no games that things would be different. On the other hand, we understand that we have power over our current situation. We can look forward to a wonderful week ahead.
“We’ll have to work and battle hard to achieve three favorable results, but we feel we can do it. Our entire focus has been on providing us the best possibility of getting off to a strong start.”
Why Leeds should feel confident heading into the weekend.
Mentality and belief are extremely important at this point in the season. So, if Leeds can open up a four-point lead over Ipswich before McKenna’s side plays next, they will be under huge pressure to beat Hull.
Leeds face a QPR side that has struggled at home while Leeds has been good away from home in 2023-24. However, Ipswich will face sixth-placed Hull, who defeated Coventry earlier this week.
Hull will be a tough challenge for Ipswich, as Leeds fans can attest, with the Whites drawing both games against Liam Rosenior’s side. A thrilling weekend that could determine who finishes second.
