The latest events at Liverpool should alleviate some concerns over Kieran McKenna’s future at Ipswich Town.
HIGHLIGHTS
- McKenna’s potential move to Liverpool as Klopp’s replacement raises uncertainty about his future at Ipswich.
- Despite verbal agreements and links to other clubs like Man United and West Ham, McKenna’s departure remains uncertain.
- Promotion for Ipswich could solidify McKenna’s future at the club, but interest from various top-flight clubs poses a potential challenge.
The Northern Irishman has received a lot of attention following his team’s successful inaugural season in the Championship.
The Tractor Boys are battling for a spot in the Premier League as they look for back-to-back promotions.
Eddie Howe of Bournemouth was the latest manager to accomplish back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League in 2015.
Several big teams are interested in hiring the Ipswich manager, which is not surprising.
The 37-year-old has been rumored to be a potential candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp as manager of Liverpool.
Ruben Amorim linked with Liverpool
Xabi Alonso was the clear front-runner to succeed the German, who announced his departure at the end of the season in January.
The Spaniard is having a fantastic season at Bayer Leverkusen and has previously played for the Reds.
However, the former midfielder stated he will stay with the Bundesliga outfit, sparking worries over who will step up as the next in line to succeed the departing Liverpool manager.
Despite probable McKenna links, Ruben Amorim, manager of Sporting Clube de Lisbon, is said to be the current choice.
According to Give Me Sport, the Portuguese coach has established a verbal agreement with the Premier League side, meaning he is next in line after Alonso.
Ipswich supporters will rejoice since losing McKenna would be a significant blow to the club, regardless of their league status for the upcoming season.
He has done an excellent job at Portman Road, transforming the team from League One’s mid-table to a Premier League promotion contender.
Since taking over in December 2021, the coach has supervised 73 wins from 126 games, including a second-place finish in the third division last season with 98 points.
| Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town record – as of April 8th (all competitions as per Transfermarkt) | ||||
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | W% |
| 126 | 73 | 33 | 20 | 57.94 |
McKenna’s future at Ipswich is not certain just yet
Despite the great outcome for Ipswich, there are still links to Manchester United, where McKenna has significant ties.
During his tenure as a coach at the Premier League club, he gained a positive reputation and is currently seen as a potential manager of the Red Devils.
Moore was allowed to feature in the East Anglian derby and may still be an important player in the automatic promotion race for Ipswich.
With Erik ten Hag’s future uncertain heading into the summer, it is still possible that the Manchester club may pursue their former coach.
Darren Bent has also suggested McKenna as a possible replacement for David Moyes, should the Scot quit the London club in the summer.
“That’s the only worry,” Bent stated on Ben Foster’s YouTube channel.
“He’s been phenomenal, and if Ipswich don’t improve…” I believe there are numerous people who would be willing to take him.
“West Ham could sign David Moyes. There are so many alternatives.
Crystal Palace had expressed interest in the Ipswich manager before appointing Oliver Glasner. They are expected to keep an eye on him as long as he continues at Portman Road.
Stuttgart is apparently interested in employing him if its manager, Sebastian Hoeneß, departs soon.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Amorim reduces the odds of McKenna leaving this summer, but Ipswich fans will remain cautious about their manager’s future with the club.
Promotion would go a long way toward assuring his future with the club, as it’s difficult to envision him turning down the challenge of establishing the club in the top flight.
But if Manchester United, West Ham, Palace, or even Stuttgart come calling, it will be much more difficult to pass up such an opportunity.
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