Pundit shares what Ipswich manager told him about Leeds in race for top two

Ipswich Town ended a tricky run of form with a brilliant comeback win over Sunderland on Saturday evening and pundit Adrian Clarke has shared what Kieran McKenna told him about Leeds United.

Jack Clarke had given Sunderland the lead but Ipswich came roaring back to win 2-1, Leif Davis laying on the winner for Conor Chaplin to score. They had failed to win in their previous five league games.

It comes in the midst of a brilliant run of form for Southampton, who have gone 20 games unbeaten and last lost a match back in September. Leeds have won three consecutive matches with the score 3-0.

The Saints are now just three points behind Ipswich, and seven ahead of fourth-placed Leeds. It was a crucial win for Ipswich to retain the gap, having watched Leeds and Southampton win earlier in the day.

Former Football League star Clarke has told the What The EFL podcast this week that he spoke to the Ipswich manager after his side’s win over Michael Beale’s men – and he discussed the promotion race.

“I spoke to McKenna after the Stoke draw and he was very chilled, like he is not worried”, Clarke said. “He just said, ‘All the pressure is on Southampton and Leeds, we are just enjoying the season’.

“I think if that rubs off on the players that might relax them. There is pressure on Southampton; most people now almost assume they are going to usurp Ipswich and take second, but they have to earn it.”

Kieran McKenna says the pressure is on Leeds and Southampton

He is right. Leeds and Southampton are the big sides, with the parachute payments. If we, or the Saints do not go up this season with Leicester – who seem more than likely to win the League – it is bad news.

Players will leave, finances will start to reduce and the chance of Championship obscurity starts to get bigger. An instant return is the best chance of a return. But Leeds will be feeling confident once again.

There is plenty of football still to play. Leeds are winning games convincingly and this weekend, will have the benefit of playing on Sunday knowing what others have done. McKenna is a big fan of Leeds’ style.