Kieran McKenna’s tenure at Ipswich Town has been marked by tactical acumen and a commitment to developing young talent. However, a notable misstep occurred during the 2022–23 League One season when Ipswich suffered a 2–1 defeat to Plymouth Argyle at Home Park. This loss not only ended Ipswich’s unbeaten league run but also allowed Plymouth to leapfrog them to the top of the table.
Ipswich entered the match with confidence, leading 1–0 at halftime through Freddie Ladapo’s deflected goal. Despite creating several chances to extend their lead, they failed to capitalize, allowing Plymouth to mount a comeback. Bali Mumba equalized for Plymouth, and Morgan Whittaker’s long-range strike secured the win.
In his post-match analysis, McKenna acknowledged the team’s inability to manage momentum shifts effectively. He emphasized the need for better execution in critical moments, stating, “To be a really top team you have to go and execute better, and our execution wasn’t good enough” . This reflection highlighted a gap in Ipswich’s ability to maintain control during pivotal phases of the game.
While this defeat was a setback, it provided valuable lessons for McKenna and his squad. Subsequent matches saw improvements in managing game dynamics, contributing to Ipswich’s promotion to the Championship. The experience underscored the importance of clinical finishing and psychological resilience, elements that McKenna has worked to instill in his team.
