Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is under increasing pressure after fans slammed his post-match interview following a crushing 2-1 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The result pushes Ipswich closer to Premier League relegation and has sparked outrage among supporters who feel the team is lacking direction and belief.
The match at Portman Road began brightly for the hosts. Liam Delap gave Ipswich the lead in the 16th minute with a well-taken finish his 12th goal of the season and a brief moment of hope for the Tractor Boys. However, Ipswich, who have struggled to maintain leads all season, once again failed to see the game out.
Wolves responded with a strong second half. Spanish midfielder Pablo Sarabia equalized in the 72nd minute after a defensive lapse, and just over ten minutes later, Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen netted the winner, silencing the home crowd and extending Wolves’ unbeaten run to three games.
The result leaves Ipswich 19th in the Premier League table, now a daunting 12 points from safety with only seven matches remaining. The club has now suffered six consecutive home defeats and lost a staggering 19 league matches this season.
In his post-match interview, McKenna tried to strike a balance between realism and optimism, but his words didn’t land well with supporters. “We played well in spells,” he said. “It’s about turning those moments into full performances. We’ve still got big games left, and we’ll keep fighting.”
However, many fans interpreted the comments as tone-deaf and lacking urgency. The reaction on social media was swift and brutal. One fan posted, “McKenna is out of his depth. How can he talk about positives when we’ve lost six at home on the bounce?” Another added, “He’s lost the dressing room, and clearly, the fans too. The board has to act.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Wolves defender Toti Gomes reportedly mocked Ipswich fans after the final whistle, referencing their likely relegation. The taunt only served to further enrage an already disgruntled fanbase. Videos circulating online show several supporters confronting players near the tunnel, demanding more fight and accountability.
This latest collapse is part of a broader trend this season. Ipswich have now dropped 23 points from winning positions a league high and the defensive frailty, coupled with inconsistent midfield performances, has become a hallmark of McKenna’s struggling side.
Despite the downward spiral, some sections of the fanbase remain loyal to McKenna, citing his achievements in guiding the club from League One to the Premier League in just two seasons. But even his strongest backers admit that performances must improve immediately if he is to remain in charge beyond the summer.
With a brutal run of fixtures loomingincluding games against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle there is little room for error. Club insiders suggest that the Ipswich board is closely monitoring the situation, but as of now, McKenna retains the backing of the hierarchy.
The Northern Irishman was brought in to lead a long-term project at Portman Road, and there’s a sense that any decision to part ways would only come as a last resort. That said, relegation could force a total reset, and fans are already demanding answers about the club’s planning and recruitment strategy at the top level.
As Ipswich prepare to travel to Stamford Bridge for a daunting clash with Chelsea, the mood among supporters is at its lowest ebb since the promotion high just one year ago. The question now is whether McKenna can salvage something from the wreckage or if the damage has already been done.
