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Daily Ipswich Episode 112 - Crossover Friday With Daily Tottenham
39 Plays1 month ago
On today's show, Tom is joined by Joe from the Daily Tottenham as the pair look ahead to Ipswich and Spurs' clash at Portman Road this Saturday. The Tractor Boys picked up their first win of the season against this weekend's opponents away from home earlier in the season, can they do the business once again in front of a rowdy Suffolk crowd?
The Daily Ipswich Podcast, part of the Global Sports Podcast Network, is the home of all your ITFC. Join us every weekday for the latest news, build-up and reaction in the club's first season back in the Premier League.
Host: Tom Crack
Guests: Joe Forrester
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Transcript
Introduction and Upcoming Match Discussion
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everybody and welcome back to the Daily Ipswich. It is crossover Friday as we are looking ahead to Towns Home Tire against Tottenham this Saturday at Portman Road and to do that I'm delighted to say I'm joined by Mr Joe Forrester from the Daily Tottenham podcast. How are you doing Joe?
00:00:23
Joe Forrester
Yeah, good mate, good, how are you?
00:00:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, really, really good. i was saying to you before we logged on, this is one of the few games we can sort of look back fondly in terms of our previous meeting. This season's been few and far between, so I'm sure you guys are hoping to give us a rebuttal and get a good scoreline for you guys. But yeah, looking forward to this weekend.
Tottenham's Inconsistent Season
00:00:40
Joe Forrester
Do you know what? It's one of those weird football matches that's sort of just like, it feels like a little bit of a derby or a grudge match now because kind of ips Ipswich, the defeat to Ipswich at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was kind of emblematic of Spurs' as patchy season because you mentioned before off-air that we then subsequently went and beat Man City, Thrash Man City, 4-0, I think four four or five days later.
00:01:01
Joe Forrester
But that was generally the start of Spurs' rotten run of form. horrible injury crisis, all that sort of thing. So there is a part of me, that illogical football fan that goes, well, it was Ipswich's fault.
00:01:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah we are I think well to be honest I think if you look at rivals for us in the Premier League this season geographically you guys of the closest teams to us as well that could maybe be bit more of a thing as well because really in our part of the country with the exception of a certain team in Norfolk we haven't really got any rivals to be honest so it's kind nice to have that sense of a rivalry going into game for sure well I think with today shall we start with focusing on you guys of being the away team so really first Joe mean obviously I think from an outside aspect it may not have been the season you guys were hoping for but how would you just rate Spurs' season overall so far with what a few months left of the season to go?
Spurs' Season Evaluation: Two Stars
00:01:47
Joe Forrester
I would say but if we if we go on the old podcast star rating system, I would say it's a two-star season. it's been very disappointing for Spurs. Like obviously kind of last last year was a kind of a season of two halves in the sense that Tottenham were absolutely electric for the first 10 games of the season, got beaten by Chelsea at home and kind of this giant collapse happened, but had thankfully accrued enough points to to see us through into the European places with that that run in that first 10 games. But one of the things that I think because the the points total
00:02:22
Joe Forrester
was perhaps a bit misleading at the end of last season, was that Spurs have been in rotten rotten form pretty much since since the start of last year.
00:02:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:02:30
Joe Forrester
And
Impact of Injuries on Tottenham
00:02:31
Joe Forrester
that's really continued into into this season. There's without a doubt been an injury crisis. That being said, kind of like, I don't want to rely on that Too much because I kind of look at Bournemouth, who I know for large periods of the last few weeks have had nine first 11 players that would theoretically be in the first 11 out and have been but absolutely electric.
00:02:54
Joe Forrester
So yes, Spurs have had injuries, but i and I guess what Postacoglu will hide behind is I've got a system that fits these 11 players and they're the ones who know how to say it had to play it. But conversely, I think Tottenham fans would kind of be like, well,
00:03:07
Joe Forrester
you're managing a squad, not a team. So everybody should know how to play that system. And I get kind of playing a load of teenagers and stuff isn't ideal. I don't think the injuries are enough of an excuse for how poor Tottenham's form's been. We don't mind losing games if you've got a few first teamers out.
00:03:23
Joe Forrester
What we do mind is is playing poorly and and incoherently. And I think that is a little bit of a worry in that kind of classic football cliche.
00:03:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:03:30
Joe Forrester
Has he lost the dressing room? Floats around a lot. Also, Ange kind of very bullishly said, oh, I always win a trophy in my second season. And Spurs were subsequently knocked out the League Cup and the FA Cup within in five days of one another, leaving only the Europa League.
Europa League Hopes for Spurs
00:03:47
Joe Forrester
The reason it's a two-star season, not a one-star, is because Spurs are in the Europa League knockout stages.
00:03:52
Joe Forrester
So... We're pinning all our hopes on that. In the league, eighth would be delightful, but that seems out of reach. And if I'd have known I'd be saying that this time last year, i think I'd have been very disappointed.
00:04:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, very much so. I think touching on the injuries there, because obviously it is a big, I think one of the many narratives surrounding the club at the moment.
Player Returns and Performance
00:04:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I mean, yes, yeah, like you said, it's not, it's an excuse you can only use for a certain amount of time, but there are a lot of players out. And we did see last week, we have a few coming back, likes of Vicaria and a few others us as well, coming back as a team. And you did get three points, albeit against quite a poor United side.
00:04:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think there is an aspect to show like once certain players to do come back in, you very much can compete on certain levels.
00:04:26
Joe Forrester
Yeah.
00:04:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, we we very much had have a quite few injuries this season as well. I mean, thankfully Liam De Lape hasn't gone out, but I'm fairly certain if he wants to go out, the goals would, not that they've been going in on a constant rate this season, but obviously he's been our main goal for every season.
00:04:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
If he was to go away, I'm pretty sure he'd use that as an excuse to the cows come home. But obviously, like said, some players have been out and yes, maybe in the league, it's not where you guys would like to be, of course, but We've seen some certain like young players come into the squad.
00:04:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Jed Spence finally seems to be getting his chance. And the young blonde lad, is it Bergvai?
00:05:04
Joe Forrester
Bergvau, yeah.
00:05:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Bergvai, yeah. those I think those two have really impressed me from an outsider's perspective as well. there any players this season, maybe going into this year, you know, you've always got the usual suspects of Son and maybe Madison, obviously, has fallen slightly out of favour. But are there any players this season so far, again, like I said, it's not what you would have wanted, I'm sure, but who sort of kind of impressed you when you didn't expect to see that sort of form coming?
Young Players Making an Impact
00:05:24
Joe Forrester
Yeah, you were absolutely right to to single out the youngsters. Lucas Bergvau has been excellent. So Bergvau is only, he was 18 at the start the season. He's only just turned 19. For people who haven't watched a lot Tottenham, he's a kind of all-action midfielder, kind of favours playing in the final third, but he's not scared to kind of get back and mix it up a little bit.
00:05:46
Joe Forrester
He's been excellent, really kind of gone from strength to strength. And certainly in the last few weeks, I've looked at him and gone, he's our best midfielder. because another issue that Spurs have had as first-team players have come back and included amongst those are Bentancur and Basuma.
00:05:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:05:59
Joe Forrester
So the midfield three has generally for the past few weeks been Bentancur, Basuma and Saar. And in all honesty, they have been shambolic, giving the ball away, kind of no no ability to to kind of hassle the opposition in midfield. And that's been where Tottenham's really struggled. And actually, Lucas Bergvau, when he's played or when he started, has been excellent.
00:06:21
Joe Forrester
The other youngster to single out is Archie Gray.
00:06:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:06:24
Joe Forrester
Came from Leeds last year where he played central midfield, but also obviously played right back a fair bit. Coming to Spurs, pretty much played centre-back for the entire season as Tottenham's three first-choice centre-backs were all out. So it's been him and Ben Davis for a lot. Spurs have had tons and tons of different combinations as well, it's worth saying, in...
00:06:47
Joe Forrester
and in defence. But Gray's
Player Development and Future Prospects
00:06:49
Joe Forrester
been absolutely fantastic. Composed, strong, great feet. I personally can't wait to see him playing defensive midfield, which is apparently his favoured position.
00:06:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:06:57
Joe Forrester
He's only 18. He looks like a real player, so delighted with him. Jed Spence as well, there the Jed renaissance. That's been absolutely like amazing to see.
00:07:07
Joe Forrester
His talent wasn't in doubt when he came. he was in the championship team of the year playing for Borough, I think, on loan from Forest or possibly the other way around.
00:07:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
yes
00:07:16
Joe Forrester
Came to Spurs. Antonio Conte said he's not good enough. I'm sure that can't be... Great for a young player's confidence. Went on loan to Leeds where he had a knee injury, then went to Genoa in Italy and actually got a bit of first team football there. Played at San Siro a couple of times. Come back a much more mature player.
00:07:33
Joe Forrester
And he's the best fullback at the club at the moment. So while he's a right footer currently playing left back, while we wait for Destiny a doggy to come back at left back, I mean, i don't know if a doggy will get back in the team.
00:07:44
Joe Forrester
Spence has had back-to-back Man of the Match awards and looked worth it. And kind of as an England fan, I kind of say, oh, is that the England left-back problem solved? Just it stick Spence in.
00:07:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:07:55
Joe Forrester
The other but kind of standout player this season has probably been Dejan Kulusevski. His talent was never in doubt. I watched a bit of pre-season and I kind of thought he just looks so fit, so quick, so strong.
00:08:09
Joe Forrester
His technique has kind of never been in question. He has dropped off a bit the last few weeks, but he's probably quite tired from carrying the team on his shoulders. James Madison has been, again, patchy. He was actually excellent against Manchester United, it scored the goal that won the game, gave it the old darts celebration and the shush to the lips, obviously, reference to kind of Roy Keane's comments the week before.
Madison's Inconsistent Form
00:08:32
Joe Forrester
When he plays and he's purring, we're a completely different team because he really can just run a game. And you said Vicario. Having Vicario back was night and day.
00:08:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
you
00:08:41
Joe Forrester
I mean, United had three or four really decent chances, despite being awful. And Vicario was just absolutely imperious. And we've really, really missed him. So probably more than any other player, I think Tottenham fans chuffed to know he's back and he's fit.
00:08:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah. Speaking of Madison there before we go to first break here, has it been a matter of fact of him being out of favour or maybe injuries kind of played a bit? Because when you guys played us overseas, you only played the last five minutes to try and get an equaliser. It wasn't really...
00:09:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
what you what you would expect from him to be but contributing to the game. And I think him would be thinking that as well. I mean, i I said in our preview pod on yesterday's show to Richard from our team saying how, for me, he's one of your standout players. You think like when he is on form, he's of the most creative players, I think, in the Premier League.
00:09:28
Joe Forrester
Mm-hmm.
00:09:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And you saw he was on the fringes of that England team last summer as well. You know, hard to get into that area of the field because there's so many great players, isn't there? But for you, z should he be nailed on starter or or is is there a good reason why Andrew's left him out on quite few occasions this season?
00:09:42
Joe Forrester
Yeah, I mean, you're right, because this time last year, you're he was in kind of in the England squad, or certainly kind of getting into England squads for friendlies and stuff, and now he's missed two England squads in a row.
00:09:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:51
Joe Forrester
And I know he's been injured, but some of that is is through form.
00:09:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:09:54
Joe Forrester
He's a really mercurial footballer. And now that he's in his late 20s, I think he's 27, 28. he should be more consistent because his talent is kind of not up for debate.
00:10:07
Joe Forrester
He is that, he's a lovely kind of classy midfield, like I say, can run a game. We thought we'd kind of maybe found his position when he played a little bit deeper at the start of the season. Form dropped off again. Dayan Kulusevski was actually an attacking midfield when kind of everybody was fit.
00:10:21
Joe Forrester
I personally... if it's a game a football manager, I'm playing James Madison every week because he is talent wise.
00:10:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:29
Joe Forrester
Undoubtedly, he can make a difference. I think Spurs fans would just like to see him have that impact on the game every week. And I think the expectations are higher for him because he's such a good player.
00:10:42
Joe Forrester
That being said, I think, yeah, yeah to be honest with you, I think he's also been asked to play in a couple of different positions throughout the midfield and kind of on top of that, teammates coming in and out. It's not kind of a consistent playing field for him.
00:10:57
Joe Forrester
But yeah, in in an ideal world, just from my point of view, my dream midfield would probably be Maddison, Bergvau and Gray right now because I don't think Basuma, Sar and Benson Cora are anywhere near the level they should be at.
00:11:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I'm in agreement with your early point for Archie Gray as well. it's i think it's yeah it shown for him as well this season, the fact that he's had to play in an a position that he wasn't brought into play and he's actually been relatively like competent and one of the few stand-up players shows as like a quality player and when he does go in, as you said, in his correct position, like is flo he should flourish even more.
00:11:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Before we go to the first break, you know I'm sure you get asked it a lot, but but Where are you on, Ange? Like, for me, I like the guy. Obviously, I know you think personality-wise, that's not coming to question. I think he's kind of charmed the league, obviously, very much so did last season.
00:11:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's been bit flakier this year with his, as you said, his second cup a second season cup statement at the start the year. Kind of did put him into the deep end a little bit. But, from from where I look at things, it's like, if he does go, who else is there? You know, I'm not going to pretend I was like, I knew, he knew of him that much really last season. Obviously I heard of him the season before. I knew, I knew of him Celtic, but you know, it's not many big name managers out there, but I not necessarily think that's what Spurs fans want.
00:12:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like where, where are you? Where do you stand on it? It's quite divisive, isn't it? In or out, isn't it?
00:12:12
Joe Forrester
Yeah, i think I think he's been humbled a little bit this season because he kind of had like, we play one way.
00:12:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:19
Joe Forrester
This is the only way we play. It's like... amazing like fine that's great if you kind of have a world 11 and you look at the other great managers I don't know like all the people are doing really well at the moment on a slot for example like he'll adapt the way his team plays because you have to because I think the the big thing that Andrew's found out is if you're in Scotland then there are two good teams and like apologies to kind of
00:12:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:12:47
Joe Forrester
Scottish listeners and fans of SPL clubs who aren't Raiders or Celtic, but there are teams in that division who are closer to League One level than there are kind of Premier League level. So you can go out and be swashbuckling and incredibly attacking and aggressive every game. You can't do that in the Premier League because there's 15 good teams who would give you a really good game, maybe more.
00:13:07
Joe Forrester
I mean, who in the league at the moment is an absolute gimme? Southampton, maybe? Leicester? like the
00:13:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
for us. Yeah.
00:13:12
Joe Forrester
but but that's But that's pretty much it.
Ange Postecoglou's Tactics and Fan Reactions
00:13:14
Joe Forrester
But know but like obviously, you came to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, you beat us. it's It's an incredibly competitive division with a very high level of ability.
00:13:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
ye
00:13:22
Joe Forrester
So he has, in recent weeks, been forced to adapt. And there's kind of an issue he perhaps has gone too far the other way and is now trying to kind of lump the ball forward.
00:13:32
Joe Forrester
I just wonder how nuanced he is as a manager and if he's if this is slightly beyond his level, but I don't want to be unfair, I think kind of give him a fit squad and see where we are at the end of the season.
00:13:47
Joe Forrester
But if we're still having some flat, lacklustre performances, and let's let's be honest, we beat Manchester United on Sunday because they were worse than us. That's it. It wasn't Spurs were brilliant, Spurs were rubbish. So that's beating United these days isn't anything particularly to shout about. Yeah, I think...
00:14:04
Joe Forrester
It's probably split very 50-50, the fan base, in terms of Ange. I'm willing to give a few more months. But if it's still a bit flat, I would personally like to see the club move heaven and earth to get Andoni Iriola to move slightly further north and come to Spurs.
00:14:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that he very much does seem like the next name on the changing sheet, doesn't for a manager, because he's done such a fantastic job at Bournemouth, and you know there's definitely bigger fish to fry for him as a manager, for sure.
00:14:27
Joe Forrester
Yep.
00:14:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're going to our first break, when we come back, we're going to discuss a bit more things to do Ipswich Town.
Ipswich's Premier League Journey
00:15:15
Joe Forrester
can Can I just say, if you listen to that Saturday Feeling podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network or kind of a couple of other ones, that's you might recognise those dulcet tones as Ken, who's actually the one of the chaps who runs the network.
00:15:28
Joe Forrester
And I love that advert because I don't know why he's done it so sexy and alluring. But it's just, i'm well I want some bionique now. Like, just well done, Ken. Yeah.
00:15:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
British, like the British Barry White or something, isn't it?
00:15:41
Joe Forrester
Oh, it's so, honestly, it's ridiculous. It's killless he's like ASMR. Oh,
00:15:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Great to hear Ken's voice this Friday, for sure. Just like I said, before the break there, we're going to look ahead. okay Look at Ipswich Town now as well. Joe, before I i'll sort of give you my sort of take on how we fared as a club this season, just obviously, yeah like you said, we came to your place out of a season, got our first win of the season. It was really, really fantastic for us because i think if that didn't go well,
00:16:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
who knows where a victory could have came from, it really starting to get a bit desperate, you know, but since then, we've only managed to get two more wins since then. We are still 18th, but we'll be at two points off all. So I think between us and them really this season, as to who will potentially join Leicester and Southampton going down to the championship, but just thoughts on it, which is general as a club and just how we fared this season, really.
00:16:24
Joe Forrester
I've been very impressed, to be honest. Obviously, kind of something of, a of but I think it's fair to say, an unexpected promotion, which obviously you do you do get. That's kind of the magic of the championship. like kind of it can Your fortunes can change very quickly.
00:16:38
Joe Forrester
And I actually think, to be honest, that Ipswich have acquitted themselves... really well in the Premier League play some decent football given some people decent games like you say it's a tough injury list at the moment I mean know Twanzebi's suspended isn't he you've got a couple of other injuries as well and I think like yeah for for a team that was kind of constructed for
00:16:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:16:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:17:02
Joe Forrester
Championship or maybe even League One with a few kind of players signed for the Premier League. I think that's something you kind of really can't afford to lose. Obviously, Liam De Lappe is the kind of only outlet when it comes to goals, really. And as you say, thankfully, he stayed fit.
00:17:15
Joe Forrester
But yeah, really impressed, to be honest, and still kind of in touch with 17th. As you said, i think it's only two points between yourselves and Wolves. West Ham in 16th. I think eight points further on and probably a little bit a little bit out of reach now. But it is going to be, well, mean, Southampton are gone, aren't they? but And Leicester likely as well. But it is that battle, looks like, between yourselves and Wolves to to stay in the division. And right now, I couldn't call it.
00:17:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, I'm in agreement with you. I think it's a game-by-game basis. Like, after the Southampton game, i was I was luckily away on holiday, so I missed that game. But I think after that, I did kind of feel like the writing was on the wall, because if you can't beat them, what hope have you got? But it's a game-by-game basis, isn't it? And, you fantastic, I think, the FA Cup win against Coventry. Really kind of, yes, it was a team in the league below, but very much was a bit of shot of confidence in the arm, and then a really, really good point away at Biddle. We got two points again against them this season, which, come the end of the season, could be vital, because they're a really, really good squad. So,
00:18:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Confidence is slightly creeping back, you know, and it's it's a funny business, isn't it, football, where you can go two or three games, obviously, after, I think, we drew against Fulham in January. Went on a really poor run, albeit against Liverpool and City, conceded, like, ten goals in two games, only scoring one.
00:18:16
Joe Forrester
Mm.
Kieran McKenna's Management Style
00:18:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
But then, you know, you jump ahead a few weeks and you get a great draw against arguably one of the most informed sides in Europe, in Aston Villa, and getting a really, really good point. So I am a bit more optimistic heading to this weekend. I think, for me, this season,
00:18:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, the yeah the the League One sort championship squad we've had for the past couple of years has started to fade away. we've had toe We have brought in a lot of players this season. I think we may have signed the most most players this season as a whole, because we brought a lot more in January as well.
00:18:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we have had this kind of sort of romantic sort of connection to the to the squad, really, because it was such a meteoric rise the past few years. But a lot of those guys now have slowly been faded out, and it's been kind of difficult as fans to see that at the start, because you do, like I said, you do kind of want to see those guys who came up.
00:19:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
be the reason you're staying up. I'd say really the only player for me, only played one or two players now who are almost still nailed on in the first 11, despite the fact they were in that League One team, were our captain Sam Morsey and Leif Davis.
00:19:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
They're really the only two i who I could say would firmly start each game, despite the fact we're now in the Premier League. a lot of them have, unfortunately, flag Luke Wolfenden, one of our own centre-back, he still does make the odd cameo. He came on for Twins AB after the red card last week and did put in a good performance. But yeah, it's it's having to adjust. I think it's been really difficult season. The adjustment's the biggest part. Obviously, you've got you've gone up elite. That's a big big factor. But bringing in all these players and having to buy into the culture of what we...
00:19:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
doing as a club and I think that's one of the reasons why we've been able to bring in some quote unquote big names I think yes opinion can be divided on but Calvin Phillips coming to us what I think was quite a big move and CISO coming in in January as well I think that's two players really you know who could be at clubs higher in the league but obviously bought into what McKenna has been feeding them so I'm a bit more optimistic about staying up just because Wolves just that the lack of passion I see in comparison from them to our fan base I think it is a bit more night and day i mean I've played some good football as well it's there's been a lot of results this season that really it's been that skin of our teeth like we conceded late against Leicester and then we were free all Brentford then scored a last minute like a goal to lose the game there and there's been a lot more games like that as well so
00:20:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because I think in terms of drawing this season, we are quite close to you. I think the amount of games we've drawn eight and, well, you've drawn three this season, but it's the losses that kind of have come your way. But we've drawn a lot of games this season as well. And, you know, its you can sometimes look back and think, it's it's hard not to look back and think, oh, that went our way, wouldn't be here. But we are.
00:20:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I'm still very much enjoying the ride. I don't think, like some, we there were quite a lot of boos after the Southampton loss recently, which were, you know, considering where Southampton have been this season, that could slightly be justified.
00:20:56
Joe Forrester
Yep.
00:20:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
But you've got a look at, most likely this day two years ago, were away at Fleetwood or Crawley or somewhere.
00:21:01
Joe Forrester
yeah
00:21:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you know what I mean? And now to be at home in the Premier League against you guys this weekend, it's it's a pinch of self moment still. And I'm really enjoying it and just hope the season can have a happy ending. Even if it doesn't, it's been a great season and we're very much in good stead for next year, for sure.
00:21:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, that's where I'm at on the season.
00:21:16
Joe Forrester
You mentioned Leif Davis, i didn't and I think think he's due back this weekend. And I'm interested, like youve you said about Calvin Phillips as well and kind of buying into Kieran McKenna's project.
00:21:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, hopefully.
00:21:27
Joe Forrester
I think Kieran McKenna is one of those managers, I think, who's quite admired elsewhere in the Premier League because still kind of tried to do things, well, quote-unquote kind of the right way and kind of play decent brand of football where possible.
00:21:40
Joe Forrester
Where the fan base on him? like Is this kind of roughly where where you thought he'd have you this time?
00:21:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
On McKenna or Davis?
00:21:49
Joe Forrester
Oh, McKenna, sorry.
00:21:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think, yeah, there's a reason he's the only manager in the bottom like the bottom five or six clubs to not be let go this season.
00:21:56
Joe Forrester
Hmm.
00:21:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
My colleague Rob from our podcast, he's he's likened it to Davis from Luton last season where, you know, whatever they would however they performed, he wasn't going to get the sack. And I thought they were the best side out of three sides that went down last year as well.
00:22:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think that he's always got that sort of surety as well. And the style of football you play. Like you talked about how And was maybe slightly stubborn in terms of changing his style. we've We've changed our style on like on a few occasions this year. Not that it's worked every single time, but he's been like...
00:22:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
open to doing that we've we've played a 4-2-3-1 the past two and a half years of him at the helm and you know it worked a treat in league one and the championship of course but this season we've tried to play that same way and then i think we got battered by newcastle just before christmas and then few other games after that and then we changed to a five which worked briefly we we had we had a five against chelsea and i think we had it against you as well and so it kind of sacrifices going forward for that defense that hasn't really worked out because we can't we had a five got battered by, Liverpool and City as well.
00:22:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it's a game by game basis, but he's ready to like play the way that's suited to our opponents. I feel rather than just playing the same way, every way. And he's, and he's a top manager as well. I think if we do go down, I would be very surprised if he is not still a Premier League manager next year.
00:23:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe even you guys, he's got Spurs connection.
00:23:09
Joe Forrester
yeah yeah yeah
00:23:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
I hope that's, I hope that's not case to be honest. I hope he's still at Porton Road, but, he's got such a bright future ahead of him for all the right reasons. He's done such a fantastic job, like I said, bringing in names who you wouldn't expect to maybe come to Ipswich, considering certain other clubs might have a bit more pull, but he's able to bring him in. And I think that just shows how good of manager is. And there's so many players, really, that were either on the like the tail end of their career or we're just kind of slightly stagnating, and he's improved them so much. I think, you know, Liam De Lappe last year is is a prime example of you know, this is, again, this is still his first season of Premier League and kind of being the main guy. He was at hole on loan last season, but really didn't set the world alight in championship. was a decent player, but no one was like, I don't think the season ended last year saying he's definitely going to be a Premier League player next season. It's like, it's nailed on. It's like a philogy and kind of was expected both in the,
00:23:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Same side as whole, both now on the same team, actually, as well. But I think i was so I've been so stunned by Liam Dillap this season. and Obviously, it's his own individual quality is the reason why he's been so great. But McKenna's surely got to be another factor as to why he's been so good this season. And there's many other players you could attribute that to as well. Like they said, Leif Davis is another one as well who's definitely improved under McKenna.
00:24:20
Joe Forrester
Yeah, amazing. I mean, like I do genuinely think, like as you say, Kieran McKenna's done a great job. And as you say, looking at at Wolves at the moment and kind of the atmosphere around there, and I think Molyneux is naturally a very... home of negativity a lot of the time.
00:24:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:32
Joe Forrester
But like it is it's a real toss-up, I think, between Ipswich and Wolves. I mean, i guess as well, I'm just kind of thinking now, like in terms of in terms of this weekend, I still feel a little bit stung by what happened back
Ipswich's Strategy against Tottenham
00:24:46
Joe Forrester
in November. I think it was December. So I do approach the game with a little bit of trepidation.
00:24:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, that's I think that's why we're, like I said to you before we started recording today, it's one of the few games we're actually approaching a bit more confidently just because we we haven't beaten many teams this season. So yes, obviously you guys aren't where you should be in the league. Like you are, I think by many still considered a top six side, but we've got a victory of you. So it's says there's reason to be confident. So I do hope that can be the case going into this weekend.
00:25:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think we'll take our final break here, Joan, and we'll come back. We'll sort prove the game a bit more, score predictions, lineups, all that sort of stuff.
00:25:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Rob's trying to get his word into Wysdale. doesn't happen on occasion.
00:25:51
Joe Forrester
There you go The advert's so good, we did it twice.
00:25:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
So yeah, like I said, we're going to be doing a bit more of a deep dive into Saturday's game now. Joe, I'll ask you, like what must Spurs do different this time, putting it that simple?
00:26:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
like What was the reason you guys lost and what needs change?
00:26:11
Joe Forrester
In all honesty, complacency. There's definitely an element of that. Tottenham have been able to get themselves up for playing Man City, what i was going to say for the big clubs and then my brain just went, just City.
00:26:23
Joe Forrester
But Spurs do kind of have it in their locker. But also there is definitely an element of motivation. I don't i think given what happened last time and and kind of the scar it's left on the fan base and I guess on the players and kind of what it represented in terms of the start of such a rotten run of form and how you completely outplayed us at home,
00:26:42
Joe Forrester
I don't think that complacency will be there. I also think there's so many players coming back from injury as well that Spurs will be really bolstered. So as we mentioned earlier, it'll be Madison Vicario, both back, but also Brennan Johnson fit again.
00:26:58
Joe Forrester
Wilson Odebeir fit again for the first time in six months or whatever and looked a really good player at the start of the season. So I think Spurs will be going into it with confidence, but not complacency.
00:27:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah. I think it's like, they, but you guys know us a bit more now and it can be that sort of, just, I don't, I can't try to get the right adjective, but yeah, being, being a bit less fearful of your, of your opponent, I guess, because when you played us last time, yeah, we weren't much of an aim.
00:27:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think we, I mean, obviously, yes, we're not where you guys are at the club right now, but I think even us this season, like our best performances have been against, you know, your Spurs, your Chelsea, the two points against Aston Villa, home against Man United.
00:27:31
Joe Forrester
Yeah.
00:27:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then we've really, really struggled against sides. We could, conceivably get a result against that. We had a really poor loss at home to Everton, obviously lost to Southampton, gave it away against Leicester at the end. There's been games where we thought we could have got something more and we haven't. So I think our team, yeah, again, they'll be confident as it's one of the few teams we've actually beaten this season, but I'd like to think considering the size of the opposition, they'll be even more up for it as well. And home the homegrown has not been good this year to us, so hopefully that can turn around as well.
00:27:58
Joe Forrester
Well, this is it. And I kind of like, and I kind of meant no disrespect to it to Ipswich. I think Spurs and the mentality of kind of the Tottenham have a fan base, realistic or not, but kind of got to set goals high is at home, we don't kind of, we don't really think it's acceptable to drop points to anyone apart from maybe Liverpool.
00:28:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:16
Joe Forrester
So that's it. So kind of home, and actually you mentioned your your home form has been poor, so Spurs. So actually actually our way, like we're a much better side away from home. So hopefully that'll count this weekend.
00:28:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah. so which one us On the road as well, we've flourished bit more this season as well.
Spurs' Predicted Lineup and Game Plan
00:28:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
How do you see Spurs lining up? As you said, you've got a lot more players coming back now. of it i mean, i'm I'm not sure if he's back. don't know if you mentioned him. I'm a big fan of Van de Ven. Is that a chance of him brewing his head anytime soon or is Juri Salah?
00:28:43
Joe Forrester
No. So his his injury is slightly more problematic because it's so repeated hamstring strains, which are caused by sprinting.
00:28:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Okay.
00:28:52
Joe Forrester
now obviously, he's the fastest player in the Premier League. That stat came out last year. And in all honesty, a lot of Angie's original system was predicated on play as high up the pitch as you like because Mickey's quicker than anyone.
00:29:04
Joe Forrester
That was the game plan. And that's brilliant. But if the guy's got to do all the sprinting, particularly and it's happened twice now, we're waiting around after VAR checks, muscle gets cold, sprints, hamstring goes, brilliant. He's gone for two months.
00:29:16
Joe Forrester
He won't be fit this weekend. Neither will Christian Romero. The defence will likely be Vicario in goal. Your full-backs would be Pedro Poirot at right back, I'd imagine, and Jed Spence at left back. Centre-back partnership, probably with Kevin Danzo. The new guy's coming on loan with an option to buy, who's actually looked really good.
00:29:32
Joe Forrester
So far, kind of everything Ange wants from a defender. Technically very good, can pass the ball. Absolutely rapid, like perfect, reads the game well. And probably Archie Gray at centre-half. He was actually rested against Manchester United.
00:29:45
Joe Forrester
I think the midfield three in all likelihood.
00:29:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:49
Joe Forrester
Ange loves Ben Tankour. So it will probably be Ben Tankour, Maddison and, oh my God, Bovao. And kind of Bergvau in there, Madison and Bergvau kind of interchanging positions. And you'd imagine front three of Kulusevski, Son and Mateus Tell, who we've got on loan again, with an option to buy from Bayern. Now, I think a lot Spurs fans would wouldn't be too gutted if we saw Son dropped.
00:30:18
Joe Forrester
And Kulisevski switched that side and then Johnson or Odebeir start. But Ange has backed himself into a corner because his son is the club captain. So he's pretty much undroppable, but his form has been way, way beneath his levels. But yeah, a strong team with with good players on the bench as well.
00:30:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
I was going to ask you about that earlier in the show, actually, regarding Son. Because, yeah, you know, it's... I think for him, his alignment has paced a lot. You know, what, he's 31, 32 now? Maybe maybe older now, I believe.
00:30:48
Joe Forrester
Yep.
00:30:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like, I think you kind of gave it away slightly very in terms of where your head is at regarding him. Is, like, his days as a starter numbered now, do you believe, then? Like, it's maybe harsh to say because he's been such a quality player as he really took up the mantle after Kane left, like, fantastically as well, didn't he? But...
00:31:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe I guess his legs are starting to fall a bit short or a pace too short now, aren't
00:31:09
Joe Forrester
Yeah, he's he's one of the great players to play for Tottenham. Scored some incredible goals. The goals were he skinned about five players from the touchline running into the box against Chelsea. The goal against Burnley, where I was actually at the game, which won the Puskas Award, where he just skinned the entire team.
00:31:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
they? Yeah.
00:31:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:31:26
Joe Forrester
Proper of the Rovers kind FIFA stuff. I mean, he's he's an iconic player. I think... He really benefited, actually, weirdly, he was one of the players who massively benefited under Mourinho and Conte because we were counter-attacking teams.
00:31:42
Joe Forrester
And if you can set him free, few better finishes in the league.
00:31:46
Joe Forrester
He also massively benefited from having Harry Kane because Kane is not only an incredible strike partner, but also has ridiculous passing range and vision.
00:31:57
Joe Forrester
So would find him a lot. I mean, there's loads of stats about how those two are combined for far more goals than anybody else in the Premier League.
Son's Future and Emerging Talents at Tottenham
00:32:03
Joe Forrester
Now we're a team that often plays on the front foot in and around the opposition half. And I think he just struggles to make his presence felt.
00:32:09
Joe Forrester
He tries to kind of find a yard and curl one in. Yeah, I think he's lost his way in terms of what he is as a player, but also you're right. I kind of think maybe some of those attributes like pace have started to go. He's also real a real confidence player. I think because he's a very nice guy.
00:32:23
Joe Forrester
So he doesn't have that kind of cyborg Harry Kane mentality of like, nothing will stop me, win at all costs. Not Harry Kane's not a nice guy, but he's just pretty bulletproof proof when it comes to to temperament.
00:32:37
Joe Forrester
I think he'll see out the season, certainly. Starting for Spurs, i would be but if he's if he's playing this way in May, I would be very surprised to see him starting games for us again in August, kind of given that we have Solanke, Kulusevsky, Johnson, Odebeir and Tell.
00:32:56
Joe Forrester
I'm not going to mention Richarlison because it's just not worth it. But have all of those players to pick from up front. I find it hard to believe that he would be in the team at that point.
00:33:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's very much the case of like, you look at sort of, it's always a way of with managers and sort of bringing the players that sort of fit their style. And obviously, within being at the club before the case, not that, you know, I'm sure cost possibly we didn't come to come thinking like
00:33:12
Joe Forrester
Yeah.
00:33:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
well, he's not one of my guys get rid of him because he's obviously like the captain of one of the most slight important players the club for over a decade now. But you're starting to see the likes of like you said, yeah, Tell and a few of the other younger lads as well, really start to put a stamp on things, which, you know, I'm sure possibly will want to claim as his own as well.
00:33:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that could be a factor as well.
00:33:35
Joe Forrester
Spurs are also in a very weird position there. is we We have a Yang Min-Hok, who's a very exciting young Korean winger slash forward, who's out on loan at the moment, who weirdly might, we he might be, so we might actually have a South Korean international starting up front for us next season, but it might not be some, which is kind of quite nice and cyclical.
00:33:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh.
00:33:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, well, he's on loan at QPR at the moment this season.
00:33:57
Joe Forrester
That's right. He's at QPR.
00:33:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:33:59
Joe Forrester
Yeah.
00:34:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, one assist in four games, which, you know, isn't too bad, I guess.
00:34:02
Joe Forrester
Well, he essentially was deemed deemed not physical enough, so got sent off to the Championship to to yeah basically freeze at Loftus Road and get roughed up a bit.
00:34:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right.
00:34:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, we kind of had that with, I think that was the aim from Chelsea of bringing Hutchinson to us last year, was he never really had a sort of first-in football in the Premier League, you know, just the odd EFL Cup appearance and stuff.
Ipswich's Defensive Improvements
00:34:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we kind of saw that of him last year where the first half the season was quite poor and physically was difficult to match with some of those because obviously the tough league.
00:34:32
Joe Forrester
Yeah.
00:34:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
But then he really, really found his feet in the last stage of season, like physically and mentally and scored very, very important goals for us. I think for us, in terms of lineups and stuff, I don't know how much you've kept abreast of the goalkeeping fiasco we've had this season. I mean, it's a case of a lot of clubs in the bottom of the division.
00:34:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's always quite easy to point the finger at goalkeeper, but I think for us this season, it's been warranted because Moritz, we bought in from Burnley. I was crushing that move at the start the season and I was crushing for weeks and weeks. And there's a lot of errors we've made this season. He's made this season and it's cost us points at the end of the day. And we brought in Christian Walton, who was our goalkeeper in League One and was on the bench in the Championship, he came back.
00:35:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
was really good against Chelsea, actually, and made a few good games. But then an injury came and we had to put Mürich back in. And again, errors immediately came back. So we've had to, and luckily it happened in January, so we brought in Alex Palmer from West Brom, who I think had was having a really good season there, 11 clean sheets, albeit in the Championship.
00:35:19
Joe Forrester
Mm-hmm.
00:35:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's played two games now, both away from home, and made a really, really big impact, Scott. It's really confident against Coventry. And then last week, I don't you've the clips on online, but some really, really great saves against Villa and some, you know, Rashford and Watkins and, uh, Asensio just like peppering the net in the last stage of the game and managed to hold his own.
00:35:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
The only way he can see it was like rebound off Rashford's really, really good free kick. And then what can's taken it well on the bounce to get the equalized.
00:35:47
Joe Forrester
And even when you say that, that's impressive because it's i mean that's three seriously good players so well.
00:35:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:35:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah, exactly. And, you know, i hope it's not the case of too little or too late with Parma. Obviously, it's been one or two games. It may just be like a honeymoon period and then, you know, it could come, we could just be sent back down to reality because we had a few games with Mürich where,
00:36:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
He looked like he be that guy, but then unfortunately he But I expect to see our new keeper, Alex Palmer, in goal for us. I think in terms of how we're going to play it, we like I said, we did have that five at the back, but I think we're going to revert back to four now with potentially it becoming a five when you're on the front foot.
00:36:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think we'll see a back four. Obviously, Twan Zabies out injured. I think we may see a back four of Dara Shea and Greaves at centre-back. O'Shea has really impressed me. he was a bit poor the start, but came to his own. If it, Leif Davis. It's hard to predict with Town. I don't know how you guys are of injuries, but...
00:36:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
McKenna and so the backroom never reveal anything. And then you find out on the day, we make our predictions on these Friday episodes, so come Saturday or Sunday, like Davis or someone's out and you're like didn't see that coming.
00:36:45
Joe Forrester
100 yeah
00:36:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
So if, they've yeah, yeah.
00:36:47
Joe Forrester
yeah
00:36:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
If Leif Davis is fit, great. If not, Connor Townsend who came from last week put in really performance. And then at right back, because Twan Zavy's out, I would probably put Ben Johnson there. played against you guys, albeit as a right wing back earlier in the season, but he in really performance last week. He did play sort of the right wing back role, but I think considering what's going to be asked of him now, he should stick a bit more defensively.
00:37:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Midfield duo, I think, I love Sam Morsey, but I think we need to keep Calvin Phillips and KU stay together. Phillips may hopefully be turning a corner. I'm not like expecting him to have that Euro 2021 level of quality anymore. I'm just not.
00:37:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
But there was a few moments last week when he was really, really aggressive, both offensively and defensively. So hopefully that's the case. Kyuste as well. It's a good Swedish contingency in this game on both sides. Kyuste for us, then Kuliseski and Bergvall as well. So they've got some good players coming up, haven't they? And then i think our front three, this is, again, it's quite difficult the moment because we've got some decent players there, but injuries are kind of tied us a bit. I think we'd see...
00:37:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hutchinson in the middle, which I'm not a big fan of, but we can see so out after his unfortunate injury last week. I think we'll see that again. Start from Philogene on the right. We haven't seen much of him. I think we expected it last week, but then with us going and down to 10 men, there was no point bringing him on really. And then after a really good brace and a decent cameo before he had to go off because of the red car, Jack Clark on the left, obviously bit of a I think connection to Spurs as well.
00:38:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Then obviously Liam De Lappe up top as well.
00:38:08
Joe Forrester
Yep.
00:38:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
So you've got good attacking players there, but it's just whether they can do anything. But that would be my 11th. And probably, like I said, I think we'd maybe go to a back five when you guys were in the front foot bit more as well.
Match Strategy and Predictions
00:38:20
Joe Forrester
Nice. And that is that is something Tottenham struggled to break down. And just listening to that kind of with, yeah, it if you're hitting us on the counter, that is that's the best way to play Tottenham because we play such a high line. And we do struggle to ba break down teams that sit back as well. So, yeah, it's a tough one to call.
00:38:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah. Before we wrap up here, Joe, can I just get your most important thing, your predicted score, please?
00:38:39
Joe Forrester
i i'm so i'm I'm sorry, Ipswich fans. I am going to go for a 2-1 away win purely because so many returning players at this point. And I think Spurs will very up for it after what happened tail end of last year. i think so many returning players.
00:38:56
Joe Forrester
And yeah, I think maybe James Madison is still out there with a point to prove to Roy Keane, among others. So i think I think it's going to be a very decent incarnation of Spurs for the first time in a long time.
00:39:07
Joe Forrester
Yeah, unfortunately for for town.
00:39:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
With James Madison as well, I touched on in yesterday's show. He's obviously as well, he's got a bit of an allegiance to, i i never say the name, but a certain club in Norfolk as well.
00:39:15
Joe Forrester
ya Yeah, yeah, yeah, course.
00:39:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
And so he'll probably quite up for it as well. And he'll probably get a welcoming boo whenever he's on the ball for his connection to that other team as well.
00:39:24
Joe Forrester
One of my best mates supports the team that play in yellow and he'll be absolutely fuming that I've come on this podcast.
00:39:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:39:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, they're not a Premier League side, are they? So they can't really on to the tightest, can they?
00:39:34
Joe Forrester
So no one cares what they think. but
00:39:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly. I think for us, I said on yesterday's one, and again, it's one of the games really to be relatively confident, just considering what happened at earlier this season. I'm not going to go on the back foot. So I predicted 1-0 for us on Thursday. I'm going go for it again.
00:39:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just with Palmer's quality, id I'd like to think that may see us through. I know you guys obviously carry a lot of attacking threat as well. with Like you said, with those returns, you've kind of got on the a bit and it's been a bit more fearful than maybe what I was at the start. But I think 1-0 and just...
00:40:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Easy to say, but a Liam DeLapp winner, really, for me. It's the only way to go, isn't it, these days?
00:40:07
Joe Forrester
There you go.
00:40:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, there we go. So that's going do it for today's show. Thank you, Joe, for joining me. It really, really good to chat all things town and Spurs down. Really looking forward to tomorrow's game as well. And thank you all for listening. Whilst you're here, if you want to check out Daily Spurs and Daily Impression on all the socials, give us all like nice reviews on Apple, Spotify, wherever get podcasts from. We'd really, really appreciate that.
00:40:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
But that was going to do it. We hope you have a great weekend and also enjoy the game at Portham Road this Saturday. we'll See you next time.