Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil praised his team's performance despite a 2-1 friendly defeat to Osasuna on Tuesday night. The Blues, who finished second in the Championship last season with 84 points (23W-15D-8L), showed promise in their first pre-season game in front of fans, with Chuba Akpom scoring the equalizer before a late winner from Raul Moro sealed the loss.
What stood out in the match?
O'Neil emphasized that his side controlled most of the game, creating good chances and dominating possession for much of the first 60 minutes. He acknowledged a defensive mistake for Osasuna's first goal but praised the overall effort, particularly from new signings Abdul Fatawu and Emerson, as well as Jacob Greaves and Akpom, who impressed in pre-season.
Why this performance matters for Ipswich Town
The match served as a fitness test ahead of the upcoming Championship season, with O'Neil noting that the team is still working on improvements. Ipswich Town, who scored 80 goals and conceded 47 last season, are looking to strengthen further before the transfer window closes, with key players showing form early in pre-season.
What comes next for the Blues?
O'Neil stressed the importance of the upcoming fixtures, including the season opener against Sunderland on August 22nd. The manager remains focused on strengthening the squad, highlighting the need for more signings to compete at the top of the Championship, where they finished 11 points behind leaders Coventry last season.
Player highlights and O'Neil's assessment
O'Neil singled out Abdul Fatawu for his exciting play on the wing, Emerson for his physical presence, and Akpom for his goal-scoring form. He also praised Jacob Greaves for his consistent performances. The manager remains optimistic about the team's progress, stating that they are on the right track ahead of the new campaign.
