Ipswich Town manager says his side ‘won’t take too many backwards steps’ on rivals

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna insists his team ‘won’t take too many backward steps’ against automatic promotion rivals Southampton at Portman Road this afternoon (5.30pm on Sky Sports).

The Blues won 1-0 at Blackburn Rovers on Good Friday, moving to the top of the Championship table with seven games remaining.

Fourth-place Southampton are 10 points behind Town with two games in hand, and they remain in an exciting four-way top-two competition with Leeds United and Leicester City.

“They’ll be looking to win the game, and so will we,” said McKenna, whose team has won eight of its last nine games.

“I hope it’ll be a great game.” We want to take on that challenge.

“It’s one of the games you look forward to at the beginning of the season. When are you going to play the teams just below the Premier League that have that level of talent?

“I thoroughly enjoyed our games against Leeds (3-4) and Leicester (1-1) at Portman Road. I know we only got one point out of those games, but I thought they were two terrific performances in which the players and supporters truly represented the club and did us proud.

“That is what we will aspire for again. We’ll strive to give a performance that reflects our identity, and I’m confident that the fans will create an incredible environment. If we accomplish those things, we increase our chances of getting a result.”

This season, Ipswich have emerged victorious in a number of dramatic goalfests at Portman Road, with pass masters Southampton scoring and surrendering numerous goals.

“I think both teams try and be dominant in the game and be the proactive team in the game, probably in slightly different ways,” McKenna said.

“Our identity was primarily created in League One. This season, we’ve had to show different parts of ourselves to win games given where we’re at.

“With Southampton in this league, they can express their identity in practically every game due to their quality. They’re a highly well-coached squad that strives to control the ball in practically every game, and they succeed admirably.

“We’ll strive to impose ourselves, go toe-to-toe with the opponent as we do every game, but we know we’ll have to suffer at times and demonstrate a wide range of skills.

“Will there be many goals? Let us see. It’s not like we go out hoping to win 4-3 or 3-2. We will certainly want to play aggressively, but we will also strive to defend effectively and be organised.

“I know we won’t take too many backward steps. We’re going to attempt to be as aggressive in the game as we are against everyone. I am sure they will strive to be positive as well. There will be two really good teams. Let’s see how the game plays out.”

McKenna reflected on his team’s 1-0 triumph at St Mary’s in August, in which Omari Hutchinson scored the only goal: “It was a really good game for us.” Being away from home during the middle of the week is usually difficult.

We were also lacking certain players. I believe it was the first league start for Jack Taylor, Omari Hutchinson, and Brandon Williams. That night demonstrated that we had a team where anyone could step in and contribute, which is something we’ve needed all season.

“I think we played well and almost earned the win. Most individuals would likely agree that Southampton has improved since then. They set a club record for unbeaten streak, so we know we’re in for a tough game.

“We cannot take too much from the first game. We know this is going to be a new 90 minutes, and we’re prepared for it.”