Sunderland: Ipswich game plan difficult amid managerial uncertainty, says Lee Johnson

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Paul Cook was still in charge at Ipswich when the two teams met in late November at Sunderland

Sunderland's preparations for Saturday's trip to Ipswich Town have been hampered by the uncertainty over their opponents' managerial vacancy, says boss Lee Johnson.

The Tractor Boys are in talks with Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna, after Paul Cook was sacked this month.

Ex-defender John McGreal has been in caretaker charge of the side since.

"They've changed their shape two or three times over the past couple of weeks," Johnson said.

"I think so [that it has an impact]. Depending which manager comes in or whether the current caretaker crew stay in."

He told 麻豆官网首页入口 Radio Newcastle: "The best judgement for the future is usually the past which is why we do so much analysis.

"What we have to focus on the individual player's strengths and weaknesses rather than so much the team unity part."

Sunderland are third in League One, two points behind leaders Rotherham.