x

McKenna: Time Still an Issue With VAR - Ipswich Town News

Blues manager Kieran McKenna says the time taken for VAR to make decisions remains an issue but believes semi-automated offsides, which come into force next weekend, will improve matters.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his frustration with the delay for VAR to judge whether Pape Sarr's goal against Chelsea should have counted on Thursday evening in his side’s 1-0 defeat, claiming the review system was "killing the game”, 12 minutes eventually being added on for that and other delays.

McKenna was asked whether he had any sympathy with the Australian.

"It's been sort of a journey for us as a club this year getting used to it again, I've had it before as a coach at [Manchester] United, but then not for the last couple of years.

"I don't naturally enjoy it because I really really enjoy it when you score a goal and you know it's 100 per cent a goal. 

"That's probably my biggest feeling on it is that my main reaction when we score usually is to go and check the monitor or go and check with the assistants whether there is going to be anything that possibly could be flagged.

"So that's the bit that I think is a shame from my point of view. Other than that it has brought some benefits and greater accuracy to the decision-making.

"I think statistically, fewer mistakes where mistakes get corrected so, of course, there's been some benefits to it.

"The time is still an issue and I think the semi-automated offsides will be a step forward, and I think that would be a good thing.”

Meanwhile, McKenna was asked to pay tribute to Kevin de Bruyne, the Belgian international having announced he is to leave Manchester City after 10 years with the club in which he has won 16 major trophies.

"He's been incredible,” McKenna said. "He's certainly one of the one of the greatest to grace the league.

"I've faced him quite a few times as a coach with United and always at that time the biggest part of the game plan was how to possibly stop him and he's shown fantastic quality for a lot of years.

"They've had some great times there and if you decide it's the right time, then it's the right time, and I'm sure all the Man City fans and everyone who really enjoys the Premier League will wish him well.

"Where does he rate among other Premier League greats? These are questions for the dressing room! It would be a good debate amongst the boys, so I'll drop that one out to them and I'll get back to you.”

What to read next:

[Podcast] Life's a Pitch TV - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Life's a Pitch TV team is now available.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
McKenna: A Different Blackburn Team to the One We Faced Two Years Ago
Town travel to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday aiming to record back-to-back wins for the first time since the end of their 2023/24 Championship promotion season.
McKenna: Matusiwa Making Really Positive Steps
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says summer signing Azor Matusiwa has made positive steps in his first five games in the Championship with Town now very strong in their midfield department.
McKenna: New Leadership Group Finalised
Blues manager Kieran McKenna says a new leadership group has been finalised with the players assembled over the summer getting to know one another better having taken part in some team bonding last weekend.
McKenna: Blades Win a Good Way to Start the Next Chapter
Town boss Kieran McKenna says last week’s 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United gave everyone a boost but that the players were in a positive mindset and looking forward to the season ahead even prior to the victory over the Blades.
McKenna: Burns Making Progress, Everyone Else Has Trained
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Wes Burns is making good progress as he continues his recovery from his ACL injury with the Wales international the only player absent from training this week ahead of Saturday’s game at Blackburn Rovers.
New Call Me Ted Poster For Norwich Derby
Town poster gurus Call Me Ted have produced a new design ahead of the East Anglian derby against Norwich City at Portman Road on Sunday 5th October.
U17s Beaten By Hammers
Town’s youngsters were beaten 4-0 by West Ham United in their opening U17 Premier League Cup game at Playford Road this afternoon.
[Podcast] The Naked Football Show - Listen Again
This week's Naked Football Show is now available online.