Ipswich Town’s Premier League Return: A Tactical Preview Ahead of Liverpool Clash

Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League after 22 seasons in the lower leagues marks a momentous occasion for the club and its fans. As they prepare to face Liverpool in their opening match, Dave Dymond from the Blue Monday Podcast joined Anfieldindex’s Hari Sethi on the Rival Recon podcast to discuss the tactical nuances and challenges that lie ahead for Ipswich under manager Kieran McKenna. Here’s a closer look at the discussion and what to expect from Ipswich Town’s Premier League campaign.

Kieran McKenna’s Tactical Approach

Kieran McKenna, once a part of Manchester United’s coaching staff, has been instrumental in Ipswich’s recent success. Dave Dymond shared that McKenna’s style is heavily rooted in possession-based football, driven by a high-pressing system. “The style of football that McKenna plays is absolutely crucial to Ipswich’s identity,” Dymond noted, emphasizing the importance of control and patience in their buildup play.

This possession-based approach has seen Ipswich dominate games in the lower leagues, with Dymond highlighting, “We’re talking about a few of those players making a step up from League One into the Premier League in two seasons.” This leap will undoubtedly require some tactical adjustments, especially against top-tier teams like Liverpool.

Key Players to Watch

Ipswich’s squad boasts a mix of experienced players and young talents eager to prove themselves on the Premier League stage. Dymond highlighted captain Sammy Morsy as the “heartbeat of the side,” a player who commands the midfield and leads by example. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Morsy’s role will be pivotal as Ipswich looks to establish themselves in the league.

Another standout mentioned by Dymond is Leif Davis, who has been dubbed the “assist king” in both League One and the Championship. Davis’s attacking prowess from the left-back position will be vital, especially in McKenna’s system, which often sees him play almost as a winger.

Tactical Adjustments for the Premier League

As Ipswich prepares for their opening matches against Liverpool and Manchester City, Dymond speculated on potential tactical tweaks. “It wouldn’t surprise me if he goes three at the back,” he said, acknowledging the need for a more solid defensive structure against stronger opponents. This shift could be crucial in helping Ipswich withstand the relentless pressure they are likely to face from Premier League giants.

Dymond also mentioned Ipswich’s recent preseason match against Nice, a Europa League-level side, where McKenna experimented with different formations and personnel. “We went with Ben Johnson in a more advanced role and Axel Tuanzebe in a three at the back,” Dymond explained, hinting at the possible setups McKenna might deploy during the season.

The Road Ahead

Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League is filled with excitement and nervous anticipation. Dymond pointed out the parallels between Ipswich’s style and that of Liverpool under their new manager, Arne Slot. “There are a lot of similarities in the style and approach,” Dymond said, highlighting the emphasis on building from the back and controlling possession.

However, the challenge for Ipswich will be adapting this style to the higher tempo and quality of the Premier League. As Dymond wisely noted, “It’s all about finding those marginal gains wherever you can,” a strategy that has served other promoted clubs well in recent years.

In conclusion, Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League is a story of tactical evolution and the resilience of a club that has fought its way back to the top. Under Kieran McKenna’s guidance, and with players like Morsy and Davis leading the charge, Ipswich will be aiming not just to survive but to make a mark in the league. Their journey begins against Liverpool, and it promises to be a fascinating one.