Chambers has said Ipswich must improve after Tuesday’s disappointing defeat to Stevenage or they will face a long afternoon against Brentford on Saturday.
Luke Chambers has criticised his side’s performance against Stevenage
Ipswich Town captain Luke Chambers has warned his teammates that they must improve after Tuesday night’s disappointing defeat to League Two club Stevenage Town, telling the East Anglican Daily Times that they will ‘get smashed’ by Brentford if they play the same way.
The Tractor Boys were downed by a Ben Kennedy strike at Portman Road, with a single goal proving to be enough to secure Stevenage’s progression into the second round of the EFL Cup, as Ipswich under-performed in front of their own fans.
Manager Mick McCarthy made seven changes for the cup tie, and the home side struggled, failing to register a single shot on target until the 47th minute.
Unimpressed: Ipswich Manager Mick McCarthy
The former Wolves boss praised Stevenage for the win, before describing his side’s performance as “awful” when speaking to BBC Sport after the game.
And club captain Luke Chambers echoed his manager’s sentiments, warning that the team must improve or they will face a difficult afternoon at Brentford on Saturday.
Ipswich face Brentford on Saturday
“We still had a strong enough side to win the game. Credit to them. They have done a job on us. They kept putting it in behind and making us deal with it,” he said.
“Regardless of the level you play at, or the competition you are playing in, you need to have more desire than the opposition to win a football match. They showed that they wanted it more than us.
“We need a reaction because if we play like that on Saturday then we will get smashed. We need to look at ourselves, both personally and as a team, and put some things right quickly otherwise it will be a long afternoon.”
Ipswich kicked off their Championship campaign with an excellent 4-2 win over newly promoted Barnsley, with Grant Ward bagging an opening day hat-trick on his debut.
The Tractor Boys travel to Griffin Park to face a Brentford side who were also left red-faced by League Two opposition in the EFL Cup, succumbing to Exeter City by one goal to nil, scored in extra-time.
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