Jonas Knudsen would be looking forward to a month-long winter break if he was still playing back home in Denmark — but he has no regrets about his summer move to Ipswich.

The Town left-back said: “Normally at this time of the year in Denmark we have a month off but instead it is a busy time in England. It is new for me but I don’t mind because I like to play a lot of games and I can take my break in the summer.

“When I was playing in Denmark, sometimes during the winter break I would go down to Thailand for the sun, or maybe take a trip to Spain. We did it like you do in the summer because the mid-season break is the longest holiday for players in Denmark.

“In the summer the break is only two to three weeks or something like that. It is not a problem for me because I am pleased to be playing in England and I can wait for a holiday at the end of the season.

“I am very happy here and I think I am going to get better and better, the more games I play. There is always a lot to learn when you join a new club — how the team plays, how they want you to play etc — but I believe I am improving all the time and I am really enjoying my time with Ipswich.

“I am a better player than the one who came to England in July. I have learned a lot from the manager and his staff, and also my team-mates, who have been a big help to me since I arrived.

“I have added new things to my game because I am playing a whole new style of football. As I have said before English football is a little bit different compared to how it is in Denmark, but I am better for the experience and if I carry on improving it can only be good.”

Knudsen is grateful to Town boss Mick McCarthy, not only for handing him the opportunity to come to England but for the way he is constantly encouraging him to improve, calling on his own vast experience in the game to pass on useful tips and advice.

The Dane added: “The manager talks with me about a lot of things, like one against one defending and other situations where I could have done better.

“He helps me a lot and will show me what he means. It is very nice because I didn’t receive such good advice in Denmark as I am getting here.

“I am a player who likes to get forward and help my team when we are attacking but I know my first priority has to be defending. I can run a lot and it is natural for me to want to go forward.

“But I’m not like Marcelo — the Brazilian who plays for Real Madrid — because he is a dribbler. I am the type who will pass the ball, overlap and then receive it again for a cross into the middle. I get forward as often as I can but I know defending is the most important part of my game.”

Photo: Action Images

murraybrunning added 12:20 - Dec 11 Would often go to Thailand for "the sun" nod nod wink wink! Seriously though glad he's settling here, if he could eradicate some basic errors from his game could be a really good player for us. Saw him at the "On the road" event at The Dove and seemed like a genuinely good level headed chap. Lets hope he achieves his international and PL ambitions with Town.
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charsfield added 12:29 - Dec 11 a nice bloke and he will continue to improve but please NO MORE LONG THROWS!
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elalaer9 added 15:28 - Dec 11 @charsfield I disagree. The long throws are a good asset to have, when used correctly. The problem we have is there appears to be no plan when these throws come in, except perhaps aim it in the general direction of Murph. We need 1 or 2 players coming off the byline, attacking the ball whilst on the move. Winning that first header is vital, and with our strength (as per the Charlton 1st goal) offers us a good opportunity to score.

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Michael11 added 15:56 - Dec 11 His long throws are absolutely pants! I'll be patient enough to let him settle in before I judge him fully but if I was Jonny Parr I'd be very p****d off that he's playing instead, as he's currently a better player.
4

rfretwell added 16:31 - Dec 11 Agreed Michael11, Very odd that Parr gets so little game time at Town. Maybe Phil or someone could quiz MM more directly on that and particularly why he considers Parr is inferior to Knudsen in that left back position.
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Fatcatevans added 18:34 - Dec 11 Parrs also far better than our captain currently masquerading as a right back
2

BrettenhamBlue added 23:11 - Dec 11 He's done ok, but could do with the occasional rest. It would be nice to see Parr start at left back on occasion.
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