Players feel more confident now, McKenna proud after spirited defeat to Liverpool

Seven of the Blues’ starting XI had been part of the League One promotion team, while 10 were making their full Premier League debuts. McKenna’s men weren’t overawed by the occasion though and gave as good as they got against the star-studded visitors in a goalless first half played amidst an electric atmosphere

It was a different story after the break as adrenaline wore off and Liverpool’s class showed. Diogo Jota and Mo Salah finished off well-executed moves in a five-minute spell just after the hour and the damage could have been greater.

“I think there were a lot of positives to take, of course mostly in the first half,” said McKenna.

“We made it a really difficult game for Liverpool. We pressed really well, our organisation was really good, we were physical, we were aggressive, we were brave out of possession. In possession we did a lot of good things as well. We found a really good mixture between showing our bravery and composure to build short passes, but also use the physical presence that we had on the top line in Wes (Burns) and Liam (Delap).

“Of course the challenge for us then is that we have to be able to do that again for longer. We have to be able to do that for 90 minutes or, in the periods where we can’t be like that, we have to find ways to manage the game.

“There are a lot more positives (than negatives) to take from the game. Of course the second half was difficult. Liverpool kicked into their stride and the game got away from us, but I think the players should be really proud of their efforts and the way they managed to step up.

“I think they all came away from the game feeling more confident in knowing they can compete and play at this level. They also know there are a lot of areas we can improve in. That’s the job now and that will start on Monday.”

He added: “Look, the group’s used to winning. It’s never going to feel good not winning. But the boys are positive. The overriding emotion should be pride. They’ve shown, no matter where they’ve come from, they can compete in the Premier League against one of the best teams.

“They also know that Liverpool were much better than us in the second half and deserved to win the game. They know there are more strides to make and I’m sure the attitude and atmosphere on Monday morning will be really good.”

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Asked why he felt his side struggled more in the second half, the Blues boss said: “It was a number of things. There wasn’t huge things tactically different, Trent (Alexander-Arnold) played a little bit higher on the right-hand side, so there were a few little adjustments.

“I think our physical level dropped, that’s understandable, one, because of the efforts we put into the first half and, two, we had quite a few players out there playing their first ever game of Premier League football, so there was an adjustment to the intensity, three, we have a few who haven’t completed the full pre-season who probably were a little bit undercooked going into today.

“Liverpool, of course, credit to them. They showed their quality, in their top line especially and their ability to find the space in behind for their fast runners.

“The biggest thing for us in terms of lessons is, one, finding that level of execution in the first half to get the goal that I don’t think would have been undeserved, and, two, managing the period in the second half when Liverpool were in full flow and playing really well better so we can stay in the game. Had it stayed 1-0 we would have the possibility of pushing late in the game.

“You have to respect the level of opponent and the jump for our players. There’s not too much to criticise them on, but there are details we can improve on from the second half that will give us a better chance to stay dominant for longer.”

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He added: “For 10 players to make their first Premier League start, that’s climbing the mountain. Such a small percentage of footballers manage to play in the best league in the world. I’m very proud of them and they should be very proud of themselves.

“I think you can see, with how we performed in the first half, the players dealt with the occasion very, very well.”

Town’s baptism of fire continues with a trip to four-in-a-row champions Manchester City next weekend.

“The way the fixtures came out, with Liverpool and Man City first two games, we took as a real positive,” said McKenna.

“We know that it’s going to give us a real good insight into the top echelons of the league and club football in the world.

“We’re right in at the deep end, but we feel like that can hopefully fast-track our development and our adjustment to this league.

“We know on the flip side that there’s a chance we’ll have no points after two games. The game after that is then Fulham, who are another excellent team. After that it’s Brighton. Every game is going to be difficult.

“It’s just about our journey and how we can continue to improve physically, tactically, technically and mentally over the next few months.

“We won’t talk too much about points and league positions. That’s not how we work how we’ve got to this point. It’ll be about full commitment to each game, learn our lessons and keep getting ready to go again.”

This was, of course, Ipswich’s first game of Premier League football in 22 years. A crowd of more than 30,000 created an electric atmosphere that the players really fed of.

“The supporters were fantastic,” said McKenna. “We’ve had some great atmospheres here, but there was moments in the first half that were right up there with anything we’ve had.

“In the first half, when we were pinning Liverpool in and having opportunities, of course the supporters were right behind us. More importantly, in the second half, when the game got away from us a bit, the crowd kept pushing the players and stayed right with us to the end. That helped the players go right to the last whistle.

“I think they will have enjoyed the game. They’ve seen so many of the group they’ve been proud of so long go and compete really well against one of the best teams in the league. They’ve seen the level that we’re up against. I know they’ll stay with us for every moment of every game.”