On Ipswich’s opening defeat to Liverpool: “It was a great experience for us to progress. The prevailing feeling after the game was a positive one and the group went home with more confidence that we can be competitive this season.”

He said his team had “felt first-hand how a team of Liverpool’s calibre can go crazy. They became a big threat very quickly and had a number of big chances in quick succession. We need to deal with that better.”

He believes that Manchester City “represents an even greater challenge. The big goal is points, but behind it is also to come out of the weekend stronger. And we will use it to adapt to the league more quickly.”

On City striker Erling Haaland: “He is quite unique in world football; in terms of his physical attributes and his strength, his pace and his power – there is probably no one in modern football who comes close to him in those aspects.”

New signing Jens Cajuste could feature on Saturday and McKenna said: “He has a different profile to the midfielders we already have, he is a very talented player. There will be an adjustment period but I think he will be a good addition to the group.”

McKenna believes the team is now strong in midfield but “there are still a few areas where we need reinforcements, one of them being the attacking area.” He added: “At the level of the league and the way we play, we need great depth in those areas. We want to add different qualities that will help us to be successful in the Premier League.”

Regarding Armando Broja, who is reportedly coming on loan from Chelsea, he said: “Nothing has been confirmed yet. I think it will be a while before there is any confirmation.”

Wes Burns underwent a scan on his hamstring this week and will be out for “a number of weeks”. McKenna said it was a “blow because he is an important player for our system”. Goalkeeper Arijanet Muric is doubtful but on-loan midfielder Kalvin Phillips will be unable to play against his parent club.