Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Fulham (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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On signing a new striker: “I think it’s less likely than likely at the moment, it’s not impossible. It is a position we have looked at to strengthen, to be deep and strong in that area but also because we have some injuries – if the right opportunity for the right player that improves us comes then we will look to do it.”
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The club do remain in discussions with Armando Broja, despite his injury: “There’s been discussions – that’s not a secret. It’s not a secret that he’s got an injury issue. The clubs are ongoing with discussions, it has to be right for all parties. We will see what’s right and hopefully the best resolution will be found by this evening.”
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He was asked about rumoured interest in Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath: ” Any player who is active with any other team, we will never mention their names, the Armando situation is different because it’s publicised that he’s not with Chelsea‘s first team.”
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On their window as a whole: “We’ve done some really good business, we knew it was a big, big window for us – it always is for a newly promoted team. For a team coming from our position with the trajectory we’ve had as a football club. Everyone was of the same mindset that it was really important to strengthen as much as we could.”
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He added: “It’s been a really challenging window and I think we’ve got into a good position, not everything goes your way but everyone has worked really hard to give us a squad that gives us a chance to be competitive this year.”
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On departures: “We will have a few players likely move on – they will always go with our best wishes.” McKenna indicated some of these may be loan moves, but said “it certainly doesn’t mean it’s the end” for those players at the club.
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After facing Liverpool and Manchester City in their first two games, he was asked if their season starts tomorrow: “I don’t like that phrase because do we discount the Liverpool game because we didn’t win it? Do we discount going to Man City away against the best team probably in world club football? We can’t discount those experiences. It is all part of the season journey and everyone needs to enjoy every game.”
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On Fulham: “They’re a really organised side, they’re good on all phases – they can build with the ball but also go a little bit more direct. They have good structure in and out of possession. They are good on transitions and set plays – they are well coached.”
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There were no new injuries during the week, George Hirst remains “a couple of weeks away,” but they “hope to see him between the next two international breaks.” Nathan Broadhead is “really, really close to team training” and should be available after the international break. Harry Clarke is back doing work outside.
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