German team VfB Stuttgart has identified Kieran McKenna as a possible future manager.
Bild claims that the Ipswich Town manager is being evaluated as a potential successor to Sebastian Hoeneß in the case of the 41-year-old’s retirement.
McKenna has received recognition for his contribution to the Tractor Boys’ ascent from League One’s midtable to the Premier League’s forefront of contention for promotion.
This has raised questions about his future at Portman Road, with other teams, including Crystal Palace, being mentioned as possible employers.
He has stuck with the Suffolk team, though, as they compete for the Championship’s top two spots.
Stuttgart’s McKenna interest
Hoeneß has earned a lot of plaudits for his work at Stuttgart, with his side currently sitting third in the German top flight, and recently signed a new deal to keep him with the club until the summer of 2027.
However, he has been linked with Bayern Munich following confirmation Thomas Tuchel will depart the club at the end of the season.
The promising, young coach has a family connection to the Bavarian club due to being the former president Uli Hoeneß’ nephew.
While it is unlikely he will replace Tuchel in the summer, Stuttgart are already planning for life after Hoeneß due to the speculation surrounding his future.
Because of this, the Bundesliga team has shortlisted McKenna as a possible future alternative. It is thought that director of football Fabian Wohlgemuth was impressed with McKenna’s performance at Ipswich.
Since taking over at Portman Road in December 2021, the 37-year-old has led the team back to the Championship.
This season, Ipswich is vying for a spot back in the Premier League, and a promotion may put a stop to some of the rumours surrounding McKenna’s future—at least temporarily.
The Northern Irish player is under contract with the Suffolk team through the 2027 summer season.
Ipswich are currently second in the Championship table, two points clear of Leeds United in third.
A dramatic 3-2 victory over Bristol City on Tuesday evening saw McKenna’s side maintain their place inside the automatic promotion places.
But with 10 games to go, it is far from certain that the Tractor Boys will earn a top flight spot for next season.
Next up for Ipswich is a trip away to Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon in a 12.30pm kick-off.
Interest in McKenna is no surprise
McKenna has done an excellent job with Ipswich, and promotion to the Premier League would be a fantastic achievement this year if they can get over the line.
But their rise was always going to attract the interest of clubs elsewhere, so this should come as no surprise.
A move to Stuttgart won’t happen anytime soon given Hoeneß’ new contract, but it would also be an unexpected move from McKenna regardless.
While the opportunity to work in the Bundesliga would be quite exciting, especially if Champions League football is also on offer, McKenna is unlikely to walk away from Portman Road anytime in the near future given their Premier League push.
