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Knudsen: English Football Suits Me
Friday, 21st Aug 2015 12:35

Jonas Knudsen may be Danish and has represented his country at U21 and senior international level — but he feels his style of play is more suited to the English game.

Knudsen, who has looked firmly at home in the left-back role in Town’s three-game unbeaten start to the new Championship season, has also shown an appetite for the physical side of the game, which led to boss Mick McCarthy describing him as “a warrior”.

He admitted: “I like that part so much. I also like Danish football but maybe my playing style is more suited to English football.

“I am a strong defender and I want to get that part of my game right, but of course I also want to go up the line and get some crosses in, as well as shots and hopefully goals. I think it is good that I am with Ipswich because I like to be more direct.

“The football is a little bit different over here. In Denmark it is more technical and the teams want to play a bit more from the back line. Teams have three at the back, the wing-backs push up and the wingers go inside.

“Here, maybe we play a little bit more direct and that’s what I like, so it’s fantastic for me. It is also more physical over here and I think that suits me. I have always liked the physical side of the game but the thing here is that you have to concentrate 100 per cent of the time.

“I think I have to work on my defending first and then the attacking part of my job will improve with the games I play. I am feeling better and better with every game I play, which is very good.”

Knudsen has also added a useful new weapon to Town’s artillery — a monster throw-in — and manager Mick McCarthy has already taken steps to ensure his team make the best possible use of the Dane’s ability to hurl the ball into the danger area from wide on the touchline by supplying ballboys with towels he can use to dry the ball.

He added: “My dad had a long throw when he was playing football. He was an amateur, not a professional, but as I grew up his friends were always talking about how far he could launch the ball from a throw-in. It was something that was always talked about at parties with family and friends.

“I remember how they said he made a lot of goals from his throw-ins, so when I was young I tried to do the same and I have steadily improved. It is not something I practice at every training session, only sometimes, but if it helps the team to win games I am happy to do it.”

Knudsen is full of praise for his new colleagues and looks forward to a visit from some family members next month.

He added: “The group is fantastic and they have made it easy for me to settle in, both on and off the park. I have been to some of the other players’ homes for barbecues.

“I have also had my girlfriend here for two weeks but she must return to Denmark to finish her studies. That will give me a bit more time to go out with the guys to chill and maybe when we have a day off we can arrange a game of golf.

“It will not be difficult for family and friends to come and see me in Ipswich. They can fly over from Denmark to Stansted and they have all promised to come and see me. I am pleased about that because I want them to come and mot just see me but also the Ipswich games.

“Some of them are already booked up to come over in September after the international break. I should be settled into my apartment by then and I am looking forward to seeing them and showing them round my new home city.”


Photo: Action Images



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Beattiesballbag added 12:45 - Aug 21
At last City status !
7

COYB11 added 12:55 - Aug 21
what a humble and well mannered man. what a pleasure it is to host you in our 'city', Jonas! COYB
5

spanishblue added 13:28 - Aug 21
Yes it would appear that young Mr Knudsen has been brought up very well,perhaps young mr Stewart and the recently departed Taylor could do with some lessons,looks like Jonas cannot only play football could well make a great impact here in his footballing life
4

kingburley4ever added 16:37 - Aug 21
He reminds me a little of a certain Dutchman in the 80's name of Franz?
Hope he does well, could make a huge impact on this season and beyond.
1

wkj added 17:41 - Aug 21
In exercis science i work with a lot of Danis, Norwegian, Swedish and Dutch people and although they are mental at parties, when it comes to work and situations of gratitude, there is not any mountain they wont move to express it or do a good job
1


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