x

Schumacher: We More Than Deserved Something From the Game - Ipswich Town News

Plymouth manager Steven Schumacher felt his team more than deserved to take something from the 1-1 draw with Town at Portman Road.

On-loan Norwich full-back Bali Mumba’s deflected injury time equaliser claimed a point for the visitors after Wes Burns had given the Blues the lead.

"I really enjoyed it,” Schumacher said. "It's two teams whose styles match. It was a great game early on in the season at our place and we expected something similar here.

"I'm glad the players have showed the courage that we asked them to. We were aggressive and tried to be positive and get on the front foot against what is obviously a really strong Ipswich Town team.

"I'm pleased for them that they kept being positive and they got something from the game, which I felt we more than deserved.”

He added: "I think a lot of the teams that come to Portman Road sit in and try and be compact, but eventually they wear you down and you get beat.

"We just felt the best way for us today was to try and take the game to them, try and be on the front foot, go man for man, force them into mistakes if we could and then create opportunities and pass the ball.

"If I'm being ultra-critical about our team I think they could have played a few more shorter passes, just to open a bit more space up, but that's me being nit-picky I suppose.

"But the attitude and the belief the players showed was good. I know we went behind from a great finish from Burns but we didn't let that affect us. We kept going, we were positive and I think in the end we got what we deserved.”

Regarding on-loan Norwich man Mumba netting against Town for the second time this season, Schumacher added: "It shows the quality he has got. He has got real ability, especially going forward.

"He still makes mistakes, as you saw early on in the second half and put us under mad pressure trying to do a skill on our byline and it goes out for a corner.

"He's a young player and young players do that occasionally. I will never give him stick for that. He has got loads to learn defensively but he has got so much quality going forward.

"He has done it before against Ipswich. I'm sure the Norwich City fans will be delighted to get two goals against them, but I'm just pleased that someone scored and we got something from the game, which I felt was probably right.”

Schumacher revealed that Mumba’s goal wasn’t the Canaries’ only contribution to the Pilgrims’ point, the visitors having flown to Norwich airport and allowed to use their training ground.

"We’re getting a relationship with Norwich. We got Bali off them, we signed Saxon and we’re keeping in contact with them because they always produce good players. We’ve got a good relationship with Stuart Webber and Andy Hughes the loans manager there and Neil Adams.

"We had this plan a while ago, it was actually when Dean Smith was still in charge. We met David Wagner yesterday, who was really welcoming, so that was good. Obviously that’s Ipswich Town’s big rivals.

"We appreciate it because it’s not easy doing what we do, and everyone know that. That’s helped us, I’m sure.”


What to read next:

Premier League Clubs to Vote on Scrapping VAR
Premier League clubs are set to vote on scrapping VAR this summer.
Life's a Pitch TV - Episode 42 - End-of-Season Awards
The inaugural Life’s a Pitch TV End-of-Season Awards, filmed in front of a live audience on Monday at Venue 16, is now available on YouTube and audio podcast platforms.
Hutchinson: Ipswich Town Will Always Have a Place in My Heart
Departing Blues loanee Omari Hutchinson says Town will always have a place in his heart following his outstanding season-long spell at Portman Road from Chelsea.
Premier League Transfer Window Dates Confirmed
The Premier League, in which the Blues will be taking part for the first time in 22 years next season, has confirmed its transfer window dates.
Al-Hamadi: Promotion Made Playing Through Pain Worth It
Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi, who underwent surgery on his adductor injury yesterday, says he’s been playing through a lot of pain but that it was made worthwhile by helping Town reach the Premier League.
Life's a Pitch TV - Episode 41 - Alan Brazil
This week’s Life’s a Pitch TV, filmed in front of a live audience at Monday’s End-of-Season Bash at Venue 16, with star guest Alan Brazil is now available on YouTube and audio podcast platforms.
McKenna Linked With Manchester United
Manchester United are the latest club reported to be showing interest in Blues boss Kieran McKenna.
Al-Hamadi Undergoes Op
Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi successfully underwent surgery on his adductor injury earlier today.
McKenna With Southgate at Villa
Town boss Kieran McKenna was pictured with England manager Gareth Southgate at this evening’s 3-3 draw between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park.
Clarke Undergoes Achilles Surgery
Blues right-back Harry Clarke has revealed he has undergone surgery on the Achilles injury he has been managing for the last two seasons.