Ipswich Town defender Leif Davis didn’t hold back after the 5–3 defeat at Wrexham.
Town twice dragged themselves level and even led early in the second half through Cedric Kipré, but the game slipped away as Wrexham’s physical edge told.
Davis spoke candidly about what went wrong, what needs to change, and why the group must show more heart as the Championship grind continues.
Davis admitted Ipswich were second best in too many of the early exchanges, with Wrexham sharper in the duels and far more aggressive in the challenges.
“It looked like they wanted it more in the first half, flying into tackles,” he said. Town struggled to match that intensity, and it set the tone for a messy opening spell.
He felt the response after the break was encouraging, especially the move that led to Kipré’s goal, but it didn’t mask the wider issues.
“When we went 3–2 up, we did start the second half really well, but there were moments in the first half where we looked like a bunch of boys,” he added.
“There are 11 players on the pitch who’ve got to do the nasty side of the game.”
For Davis, the biggest frustration was the lack of collective bite. “The heart in this group should run over every team,” he said. “We should do everything to fight against every other team.” He felt Wrexham’s desire was obvious from the first whistle, and Ipswich didn’t match it until too late.
He was clear that the performance didn’t reflect the standards the squad sets for itself. “That first half wasn’t us for the majority,” he admitted.
“It looked like they wanted it a lot more on the pitch, which should never, ever be that.” Davis believes the issue was more about mentality than tactics.
Davis confirmed that honest words were exchanged after the match, but stressed that the group is strong enough to handle them. “I know these boys, and we respect each other.“
“We can say anything about each other. They will take it as good feedback,” he said.
He revealed that Azor Matusiwa spoke up, urging the team to be more connected and accountable.
He felt the conversation was necessary. “Everyone agrees that we’ve got to be a team,” Davis said.
“If you don’t, you’ll get nowhere. That’s what we said in the changing room.” He believes the squad must confront their shortcomings together if they want to rediscover their defensive resilience.
Davis acknowledged that this wasn’t a one‑off. Ipswich have recently come out second best in physical battles against Sheffield United and Preston North End.
He believes some players are still adjusting to the demands of the division.
“It’s the first time in the Championship for some people – still learning, still adapting to it,” he said. “It might take a season, it might take a few seasons to fully understand it.”
He described the league as relentless, where every game demands intensity and resilience.
Despite scoring three away from home, Davis stressed that Ipswich must rediscover their defensive edge. “It’s just the clean sheets that we’re needing,” he said.
“We’ve had that good defensive record all year.” He felt the team showed attacking threat but lacked the control and organisation needed to see the game out.
Davis sympathised with supporters who travelled in huge numbers to North Wales. “They are going to feel like that when we’re conceding goals,” he admitted.
“We should be in a better position with some of the results we’ve had.” He understands the frustration and believes it’s justified.
He urged fans to stay with the team during a difficult spell. “One thing I have to say is to stick with us,” he said. “Travelling hundreds of miles to watch us at Wrexham is incredible.”
Davis believes the unity between players and supporters will be vital as Town try to reset and push forward.
