Ipswich Backed For The Drop In Betting Markets
As the new Premier League season approaches, the football betting odds suggest that Ipswich, along with Leicester City and Southampton, are the most likely teams to be relegated back to the Championship. This prediction puts added pressure on Kieran McKenna and his team as they face the daunting task of competing at the highest level of English football.
However, it is important to note that the belief that newly promoted teams always struggle may be exaggerated. In fact, in three of the last ten seasons, all three promoted teams managed to avoid relegation. Furthermore, 19 out of the 30 teams promoted from the Championship have successfully stayed in the Premier League for at least one season. This data provides a glimmer of hope for Ipswich and McKenna.
The Goal Of Establishing The Club In The Premier League
For a club like Ipswich, survival in the Premier League is of utmost importance. McKenna can look to the examples set by Brighton and Brentford, two clubs that have successfully established themselves in the top flight after spending years in lower leagues. These clubs are known for playing attractive football and could serve as a blueprint for Ipswich’s ambitions.
However, there is a delicate balance that McKenna must strike. While it is important to maintain an attractive style of play, being too open and attacking can leave a team vulnerable against stronger opposition. Last season’s Burnley serves as a cautionary tale, as they struggled when their purist philosophy of open football was exploited by more experienced teams.
Therefore, McKenna must stick to his principles while also being practical. Playing too defensively has historically led to struggles, with few exceptions such as Stoke City. Additionally, McKenna has spent the past two years instilling an expansive and attacking style of play in his players. Suddenly demanding them to drop deep would disrupt their rhythm and confidence. It is crucial for the players to adjust to the increased competition and recognize that they will have less possession in the Premier League while still maintaining their attacking flair.
The Potential Rise of McKenna
At just 38 years old, McKenna is younger than some Premier League players. As a novice manager, he has already caught the attention of many, with some believing he has the potential to be one of the best in the business. Opting to sign a new contract with Ipswich rather than joining Chelsea or Manchester United was a smart move for his development.
If McKenna can prove his worth in the Premier League by keeping Ipswich afloat while playing an attractive style of football, it is likely that big clubs will come knocking on his door once again. Success in the top flight could catapult McKenna’s career to new heights and solidify his reputation as a rising managerial talent.
In conclusion, while the odds may not be in Ipswich’s favor, McKenna and his team are determined to defy expectations. By striking a balance between their attacking style and the practical demands of the Premier League, Ipswich can establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with. McKenna’s journey as a young and promising manager is just beginning, and the challenges ahead will test his abilities and strengthen his resolve.