McKenna on availability, Delap's future and using the academy
- Published
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle United (kick-off 15:00).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
McKenna began by putting worries of demotivation amidst relegation possibilites aside: "It isn't very hard to get the group focused. We have got a small group at the moment in terms of availability, so everyone out on the training pitch knows that they're going to be needed. Motivation isn't the problem."
He then spoke about the challenges of being a promoted team trying to stay in the Premier League: "I think the gap [between the Championship and Premier League], from a financial point of view, is getting bigger, and it's been getting more of a challenge for clubs to be able to bridge that."
On Ipswich dropping 27 points from winning positions this season: "It's a reflection of a lot of positive work. The fact that we haven't held onto enough of those results is a big disappointment that isn't helped by a lack of experience that comes with being a promoted team."
McKenna on finalising the team selection for the Newcastle United match: "We are in a challenging spot in terms of availability. We are working really hard to get a team together that can go there and be as competitive as we can be. There will be young players involved from the academy at the weekend and possibly in the next few weeks, and that is good experience for them."
On the availability on Liam Delap and Conor Chaplin: "Conor is not fit, so he's unavailable. A decision is to be made about Delap. He's better again this week, so we'll see what's appropriate."
He then praises Eddie Howe's side: "They've got a fantastic squad. They've really built a top team for the Premier League. Their physicality, athleticism is on an outstanding level, and that's before you take in the technical quality that they have as well."
McKenna says he won't rule out the possibility of Liam Delap staying at Ipswich despite interest from bigger clubs: "Liam's focus is still here, and finishing the season as strong as what it will be. I think there's certainly a possibility that he's an Ipswich player next year."
