Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is not going anywhere. The English manager has long been a managerial target for some of the top clubs in the Premier League. For example, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/crystal-palace-fails-to-get-ipswich-manager-stays-with-hodgson-20240213-WST-489324.html">Crystal Palace wanted the Ipswich manager</a> to replace Roy Hodgson last season. Then, Chelsea and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/de-zerbi-exits-brighton-who-his-surprise-replacement-may-be/">Brighton and Hove Albion targeted McKenna</a> to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pochettinos-future-in-air-chelsea-to-beat-united-to-top-manager/">fill their managerial vacancies</a>. Even Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag still at the helm, had <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/united-eye-familiar-face-newcomer-to-epl-to-replace-ten-hag/">links with the coach</a> who previously worked as an assistant at Old Trafford.



Regardless of all those connections, all signs point to McKenna <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cndd4746w3go" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">staying</a> with Ipswich Town. That is massive news for a club that has exhibited phenomenal success under McKenna. Upon his appointment in December 2021, Ipswich found stability en route to a finish of 11th in the third tier. In his first full season, Ipswich secured 98 points from 46 games with the best goal record and defensive record in the league. The club finished second in League One, earning promotion to the Championship.



Once again, Ipswich showed immense growth under McKenna in his second full year in charge. Ipswich earned another automatic promotion as the runner-up in the Championship. Despite a dry spell of one win in nine matches, the Blues scored the most goals in the competition. Now, Ipswich is back in the top flight for the first time in over two decades, much as a credit to what McKenna has been able to do.



<h2>Kieran McKenna is built for Premier League with Ipswich Town</h2>



Earning plaudits and links to clubs that have a history of success is a strong indication of what makes a good manager. The nature of pressing high has become common among top European clubs. That not only leads to entertaining soccer, but it has demonstrated success. Leading both League One and the Championship in goals is a positive sign. While reservations regarding these tactics are prevalent in the far more difficult Premier League, McKenna has experience working for various coaching staffs in the top flight.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240528_WST_509233_McKenna-Ipswich-promotion-1200x670_0edee536.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-509242" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/McKenna-Ipswich-promotion-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/McKenna-Ipswich-promotion-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/McKenna-Ipswich-promotion-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/McKenna-Ipswich-promotion.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



McKenna worked under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick while behind the bench at Old Trafford. Therefore, he received the tactical input of someone who out-thinks opponents like Mourinho. He also learned more from the Red Bull school of thought that heavily employs pressing. Perhaps that indicates where McKenna gets his methodology from.



In any case, it showed success in the last two seasons for the Englishman. While tactics have worked on the pitch, McKenna has also been savvy in transfer and loan deals. Omari Hutchinson, a 19-year-old in the Chelsea youth system, scored 11 goals for Ipswich on loan this season. McKenna also targeted players with major experience, including Kieffer Moore from Bournemouth and Brandon Williams of Manchester United. Axel Tuanzebe, another player from McKenna’s time at Manchester United, played a key role in spurts throughout the campaign.



If McKenna can continue his coaching development next season, Ipswich Town can have relative success in the Premier League. It will be a major challenge, and teams dominating in the Championship have struggled in the Premier League. Yet, McKenna will remain one of the top coaches in the minds of elite English clubs.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Ipswich Town retains Kieran McKenna in Premier League return

Despite interest from Chelsea and a host of other clubs, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is leaning toward staying at the club.

Chelsea’s managerial situation remains fluid as the club explores potential changes ahead of the new season. Reports indicate that the Blues have initiated discussions with representatives of Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.



This move highlights the club’s ongoing uncertainty about current coach Mauricio Pochettino; despite a recent uptick in form that has propelled the team into the top six of the Premier League. 



A string of victories has marked <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a>‘s recent revival under Pochettino. What’s more, it has boosted their chances of securing a return to European competition. A positive result against Bournemouth on the final day of the season will ensure their unexpected qualification for Europe. 



In fact, it would be a significant turnaround given their mid-table struggles for much of the campaign. However, despite this resurgence, reports from England suggest that Chelsea’s hierarchy remains <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pochettino-ready-for-chelsea-exit-its-not-a-problem/">divided over the Argentine’s future</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="439" height="337" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240519_WST_507880_image-31_a400b988.webp&amp;width=439&amp;height=337" alt="" class="wp-image-507890" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/image-31.png 439w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/image-31-300x230.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 439px) 100vw, 439px"></figure><figcaption>Not all Chelsea fans are in favor of such a move.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>This means war</h2>



As a result, they are willing to battle it out with other <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> rivals to lure the newcomer. Kieran McKenna has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young managers.



His remarkable achievement of guiding Ipswich from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/english-league-one-tv-schedule/">League One</a> to the top division in just two seasons has caught the attention of several greats. It’s no secret that Chelsea’s intrigue with McKenna also stems from his tactical acumen and success at the Portman Road.



<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/may/18/chelsea-eye-up-kieran-mckenna-with-mauricio-pochettinos-future-in-balance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Guardian</a> say that the Stamford Bridge outfit have engaged in preliminary talks with the boss’ agents, assessing the feasibility of bringing him to London. While some within the team advocate for retaining Pochettino, others believe McKenna could be the right fit for their future.



<h2>What did Ipswich say?</h2>



The young coach, who is contracted with Ipswich until 2027, is attracting significant interest not only from Chelsea but also from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> and Brighton.



Manchester United, facing potential managerial changes with Erik ten Hag’s position under scrutiny, have reportedly shown interest in McKenna. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s co-owner, is allegedly considering the 38-year-old as a candidate to replace the Dutchman, particularly if the team fails to secure European qualification.



The Red Devils’ poor performance this season, coupled with unsuccessful transfers and a lack of silverware, has intensified speculation about Ten Hag’s future. Meanwhile, Brighton, set to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/de-zerbi-exits-brighton-who-his-surprise-replacement-may-be/">lose Roberto De Zerbi</a> at the end of the campaign, also see the Northern Irish as a potential successor.



The Seagulls’ stable environment might appeal more to McKenna compared to the high-pressure roles at Chelsea and Manchester United. The 38-year-old could be <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/united-eye-familiar-face-newcomer-to-epl-to-replace-ten-hag/">fond of returning to Old Trafford</a> where he previously served as an academy coach.



Earlier this year, McKenna turned down an approach from Crystal Palace, demonstrating his loyalty to Ipswich. However, the opportunity to manage an established Premier League club might prove too tempting to resist. Chelsea’s interest, alongside United and Brighton, places McKenna at the center of a potential managerial merry-go-round.



Sky News recently asked Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton about the manager’s future. However, he wouldn’t say for sure that the club wouldn’t lose him. “Those are challenges that success will always bring”, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/may/16/how-ipswich-promotion-premier-league" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashton said</a>.



“I’d certainly rather have the challenges of success than the challenges of failure, but Kieran’s been great. He signed a new long-term contract last summer and he’s been in the office, he hasn’t had a day off, he’s been working by my side tirelessly on recruitment and planning and analysis and tactics for next season.”



Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images

Pochettino's future in air: Chelsea to beat United to top manager

Chelea's managerial situation remains fluid as the club explores potential changes ahead of the new season.

Pochettino's future in air: Chelsea to beat United to top manager - World Soccer Talk

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi will leave The Seagulls after the season ends, the club announced on Saturday. The shock announcement was made “at a time that suits both parties allowing [Brighton] to plan for next season, and [De Zerbi] plenty of time to consider his next move,” the club statement read.



The departure opens up a whole world of possibilities. Brighton has a cast of young, up-and-coming managers it can choose from. At the same time, De Zerbi could have his pick from Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Juventus, and Milan. It’s a head-spinning array of choices for both manager and club.



<h2>Brighton eyes replacement</h2>



According to reports, Brighton is reportedly <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/roberto-zerbi-leave-brighton-following-145404683.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">keen</a> on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/ipswich-town-tv-schedule/">Ipswich</a> manager Kieran McKenna. Ipswich recently won promotion from the Championship, which will get them their first Premier League season since 2001.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240518_WST_507559_Brighton-De-Zerbi-1-1200x670_efe7bd26.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-507617" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Brighton-De-Zerbi-1-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Brighton-De-Zerbi-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Brighton-De-Zerbi-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Brighton-De-Zerbi-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



McKenna has played a huge part in Ipswich’s success thanks to his exciting, enterprising brand of soccer. Although <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/united-eye-familiar-face-newcomer-to-epl-to-replace-ten-hag/">United reportedly reached out to McKenna</a>, Brighton is still in the race for the manager.



Ex-Brighton gaffer Graham Potter and struggling Burnley coach Vincent Kompany are also on Brighton’s shortlist.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="How Kieran McKenna took Ipswich Town from League One to Premier League" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qJO720Ew9dE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>De Zerbi has list of suitors</h2>



With De Zerbi’s imaginative tactics and immediate success, several elite European sides could recruit him to join the 2024-25 season. 



After Thomas Tuchel decided to leave <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern</a> amid a tumultuous season, Bayern are eyeing De Zerbi as a possible replacement. Sporting director Max Eberl reportedly listed De Zerbi as their top target to take over. They’re expected to shell out around $13 million on their new “Guardiola”. Eberl likes his attractive playstyle, and he feels like De Zerbi could step in and make a difference with the current squad.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ac-milan-tv-schedule/">Milan</a> is also heavily interested in De Zerbi, as the Italian giants will let manager Stefano Pioli leave at the end of the season. AC Milan is De Zerbi’s boyhood club and where he spent his academy days, and he’s flirted a lot with rejoining I Rossoneri.



“I love Italy and Italian football. One of the goals I have is to return to coaching in Italy, I don’t know when it will happen,” he <a href="https://sempremilan.com/de-zerbi-confirms-desire-coach-italy-milan">told</a> Sky Sports.



However, it’s unsure whether Milan has ever been in contact with De Zerbi. The higher-ups at San Siro also reportedly want an international coach over an Italian one.



Other clubs like Manchester United (if manager Erik ten Hag leaves), Juventus, and Barcelona are interested. However, Bayern is the firm favorite to sign De Zerbi to a contract.



Photos: Imago.

De Zerbi exits Brighton: Who his surprise replacement may be

After arriving from Shaktar, De Zerbi enjoyed a successful two-season stint with Brighton. Bayern and Milan are reportedly interested in him.

De Zerbi exits Brighton: Who his surprise replacement may be - World Soccer Talk

The possibility of Erik ten Hag losing his Manchester United job this summer is not new. Keeping the Dutch manager for his last year on the job seems quite improbable. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a> may not make it to Europe this season, thus it’s more probable that they will fire him after a dismal season.



Even if injuries haven’t helped, the ex-Ajax coach deserves a lot of criticism for his tremendous struggles this season. The Red Devils will likely miss out on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-uefa-champions-league-and-europa-league-on-us-tv-and-internet/">UEFA Champions League</a>, capping off a disastrous term.



Similarly, they have not been successful in winning any big trophies. Although, they will still face Manchester City in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/fa-cup-tv-schedule/">FA Cup</a> final; whether or not they manage to finish the season well is an open question.



Ten Hag’s side, however, has performed poorly, and it has not capitalized on recent acquisitions. Poor transfers have not brought life to this dismal Manchester United squad



As a result, new co-owner <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ratcliffe-eyes-massive-man-united-squad-overhaul-this-summer-20240222-WST-491054.html">Sir Jim Ratcliffe</a> is looking to liven things up at the failing giants at Old Trafford. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of links pointing to possible substitutes. Various media have since connected several coaches to the position, including Thomas Frank, Thomas Tuchel, and Gareth Southgate.



<h2>New surprising name emerges</h2>



One unexpected candidate to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United after the current season is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/crystal-palace-fails-to-get-ipswich-manager-stays-with-hodgson-20240213-WST-489324.html">Kieran McKenna</a>. He has risen through the ranks after two promotions at Portman Road. Several other Premier League teams are showing serious interest in Ipswich’s manager.



“He [McKenna] is believed to be under serious consideration to take over from Ten Hag should United decide to bring an end to his tenure after a disappointing second season in charge, with the co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe poised to review his position after the FA Cup final against Manchester City a week on Saturday,” <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/may/14/manchester-united-ponder-move-for-kieran-mckenna-if-ten-hag-departs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Guardian</a> says.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240515_WST_506869_Kieran-McKenna-OGS-1200x670_d5003790.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-506926" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Kieran-McKenna-OGS-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Kieran-McKenna-OGS-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Kieran-McKenna-OGS-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Kieran-McKenna-OGS.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



United and McKenna’s agents have reportedly already established contact. However, their sources indicate that it is still early in the process. After six years as an assistant coach at Old Trafford, McKenna took over as head coach of Ipswich in December 2021.



Initially coaching the Under-18s squad, McKenna remained with boyhood club Manchester United from 2016 until 2021. He went on to work with Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Ralf Rangnick after that.



But several players reportedly disliked him near the conclusion of his tenure with the Red Devils, as per <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-united-open-talks-with-kieran-mckenna-despite-claims-ipswich-boss-disliked-by-old-trafford-stars-b1157856.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Standard</a>. Speculations circulated that players didn’t receive well his training techniques and demeanor.



<h2>Kieran McKenna is a noted Manchester United supporter</h2>



However, United supposedly has ample respect for McKenna because of his part in leading the Suffolk team to their first Premier League participation since 2002. This past season, the Englishman helped the Blues earn promotion to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a>. He has a 193-goal, 194-point total in his first two full seasons as a senior manager. 



For as long as he can remember, McKenna has been an ardent fan of Manchester United.



“To go to Manchester United, there is no bigger move you can make. It’s a dream come true really. I was a massive United fan. My dad brought me over to my first game in the 1994 season to see them lift the Premier League trophy”, he said in 2016.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

United eye familiar face, newcomer to EPL to replace Ten Hag

The possibility of Erik ten Hag losing his Manchester United job has meant Kieran McKenna, a former Old Trafford assistant, may replace him.

Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish is holding out hope that Roy Hodgson can turn things around as manager. However, mounting pressure is making the prospect of keeping the 76-year-old on board more challenging. Parish has been working to identify and select <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/roy-hodgsons-time-up-at-crystal-palace-who-could-replace-him-20240205-WST-487766.html">candidates to replace Hodgson</a>, but none of the potential replacements are ready to commit to the project.



The most recent rumor to move to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/crystal-palace-tv-schedule/">Crystal Palace</a> was Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna. However, McKenna is not willing to leave Ipswich Town while the side fights for promotion. Currently, Ipswich is fourth in the Championship, which would set the club up for a spot in the promotion playoffs. Recent struggles have sunk Ipswich from when it was second in the league table, a spot it held from September until just 10 days ago. Over its last nine games, Ipswich has picked up nine points on the back of six draws and one win.



Therefore, the hurdle is luring McKenna away from Ipswich in a pivotal part of the campaign. Likewise, Crystal Palace wants to make a move in the summer, because any move for McKenna right now would require a compensation package. McKenna still has one more season left on his contract after the current campaign, and he has turned Ipswich Town around rapidly.



“My full focus and commitment is with Ipswich and the season that we’re having and the next game ahead,” <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/feb/13/crystal-palace-kieran-mckenna-ipswich-manager-roy-hodgson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McKenna said</a> about the links to Selhurst Park.



<h2>Crystal Palace wants the manager who is bordering consecutive promotions</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240213_WST_489324_Kieran-McKenna-1200x670_69f4ff00.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-489327" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Kieran-McKenna-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Kieran-McKenna-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Kieran-McKenna-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Kieran-McKenna.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



McKenna is one of the top managers available in the English game currently. He is a former assistant and youth coach at Manchester United and Tottenham. Now, McKenna has been at Portman Road for just over two years. He took over in the middle of the 2021/22 campaign. That year, Ipswich finished 11th in League One. In his first full season at the club, Ipswich Town secured promotion to the Championship. This season, Ipswich was a common pick to rise into the Premier League. A blistering start to the campaign included 11 wins out of the side’s first 13 games. Ipswich and Leicester City created a large gap in the Championship table.



That success may have tapered off. Still, what McKenna has been able to do with Ipswich is drawing the attention of several Premier League clubs. For example, West Ham United is showing interest in bringing McKenna to London. David Moyes, much like Roy Hodgson, has been under the microscope this season. In a similar run of form to Palace, dismal results from the Hammers are leading to increased pressure on the manager. 



<h2>Palace board under scrutiny of supporters</h2>



Even though Parish may want to wait until the summer to fend off West Ham, Crystal Palace fans continue to voice their frustrations with the club. Major defeats against Arsenal and rivals Brighton preceded the recent loss against Chelsea. At each game, supporters waved banners that called the club weak as it sits idle during this run. Crystal Palace does have games against relegation candidates <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/everton-tv-schedule/">Everton</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/burnley-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Burnley</a>. Results there could be crucial to the future of Hodgson.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Crystal Palace fails to get Ipswich manager, stays with Hodgson

Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish is holding out hope that Roy Hodgson can turn things around as manager.

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