Former Sheffield Wednesday man on Owls’ ‘desperation mode’ after helping Ipswich Town to victory

Luongo was a key component for the Tractor Boys on Saturday, showcasing his ability in the heart of midfield against an Owls side that couldn’t really get going as they continue their search for a first win under Xisco.

The Australian, who spent a number of years with the Owls before departing in 2022, spoke of the transition period that Wednesday currently find themselves in, saying that the hosts ‘couldn’t really get near us’ at S6.

“It was a bit of an odd game but I thought we did really well,” Luongo told Ipswich’s media team. “We didn’t really know what to expect of them because they’re in a bit of a transition but we had to be dialled in and switched on, avoiding distractions and just get the job done. It felt like a professional, ‘job done’ performance.

“I thought we did some really good things in the first half and they couldn’t really get near us. The goal came from one of the common patterns we do down the left side with me, Burg (Cameron Burgess), Leif (Davis) and then the finish, which is us to a tee…

“They got into desperation mode a little bit”, he went on to say. “Because they wanted to play football and it wasn’t quite working, so they got the ball into the box and tried to use the big lads they have there. It was about us keeping our discipline and not overcommitting, but knowing where to hurt them if they press. It was controlled.

“It’s important to highlight how well we do that, with Wolfy and Burg heading things far and tackles like Samy’s (Morsy) at the end where we won a throw-in to see it out. I was celebrating those moments because they’re big ones for us.”

Ipswich are a point behind leaders, Preston North End, on 15 points after six matches, while the Owls have just one point from their games so far.

Next up for Wednesday is a visit from Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.