Kieran McKenna is a target for many Premier League clubs this summer (Picture: Sky Sports)
Kieran McKenna insists he is not ‘focused’ on rumours linking him with several Premier League clubs and says ‘speculation’ is inevitable following his ‘incredible’ success with Ipswich Town.
Ipswich were struggling in League One when McKenna arrived at Portman Road in December 2021 but have gone on to clinch back-to-back promotions to seal a long-awaited return to the Premier League.
Given Ipswich’s success and style of play, McKenna has quickly established himself as one of the most highly-rated coaches in England and been linked with Chelsea, Brighton and Manchester United.
At least two of those clubs will appoint new managers this summer after Mauricio Pochettino’s shock departure from Stamford Bridge and Roberto De Zerbi’s exit from Brighton.
United could yet move on from struggling Erik ten Hag but will make a final decision on the Dutchman following this weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Asked about the speculation over his future at Ipswich, McKenna told Sky Sports: ‘Look, the club has had such a positive season and has such a positive future ahead.
‘We’ve achieved so much, it’s been an incredible two years. When you have success like that there always comes speculation and things like that, we’ve seen that every summer.
McKenna has enjoyed sensational success at Ipswich Town (Picture: PA)
‘But I know how much everyone is looking forward to the season, the club is in a fantastic path and everyone is just really looking forward to the season ahead.’
Pressed on whether offers from Chelsea, Brighton or Manchester United would be hard to turn down, the 38-year-old added: ‘Again, when you do well – as a manger or as a player – there’s always going to be speculation.
‘I know what we’ve achieved isn’t a normal thing so there’s always going to be speculation. But that’s not where my focus is… tonight is about what we’ve achieved over the last couple of seasons.
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‘It’s been a wonderful couple of years so tonight is about celebrating that. I know everyone is looking forward to next season and I know the club is going to be in a really good place going into that season.’
McKenna addressed the speculation over his future at an awards ceremony at which he named the League Managers Association’s manager of the year ahead of Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta.
‘This award is one of the most humbling and proudest moments of my life,’ he said after being presented with the award by former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Mauricio Pochettino spent just one season at Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
‘It’s the best thing in the world and I’ve had good experience as a first-team coach, but to be a manager in the Premier League and go up against great managers is going to be a great challenge and something I can’t wait for.’
Pochettino’s surprising departure from Chelsea was confirmed on Tuesday night. The Argentine spent just one season at Stamford Bridge.
‘Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity,’ he said. ‘The club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come.’
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