John Mousinho gives verdict on ‘unfair’ Ben Killip decision in Portsmouth vs Ipswich
Portsmouth slumped to their second consecutive defeat against Ipswich on Saturday.
Portsmouth’s performance was poor at Portman Road, with the Blues sliding down to 17th in the table following the 2-1 defeat.
John Mousinho also revealed fresh injury concerns with Conor Shaughnessy and John Swift as his side’s injury crisis worsens.
Portsmouth have a chance to bounce back at Fratton Park on Wednesday when they welcome Watford to the South Coast.
Mousinho has some decisions to make with his team ahead of that game, including who is starting in goal, with Ben Kilip still an option.
John Mousinho wants competition in Portsmouth squad
Portsmouth are still without goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid, as he continues to recover from the injury he suffered against Southampton.
Killip was originally drafted in to replace Schmid, but found himself on the bench against Ipswich with Josef Bursik making his debut.
Speaking to The News, Mousinho explained his decision and how Killip should feel unfortunate to be dropped.
He said: “Ben is very unlucky to be left out. I don’t think he deserved it necessarily or probably deserved a bit more of a chance, but sometimes football’s a little unfair.”
Mousinho also spoke about the importance of competition within his squad, which is something that applies to his goalkeepers too.
“At the minute, Ben is still competing for the number one spot; we are always wanting our goalkeepers to do that.
“If we need to make a change for any position on the pitch at any time, what we need from the entire squad is competition.”
Mousinho will more than likely go with Bursik against Watford, but Killip may yet feature in the future.
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Josef Bursik struggles on Portsmouth debut
Bursik arrived at Pompey in a permanent move from Club Brugge, after spending last season on loan at Hibs.
The former England Under-21 international made his Pompey debut against Ipswich, but did not impress many in his first appearance.
| Stats vs. Ipswich | Josef Bursik |
| Saves | 3 |
| Goals conceded | 2 |
| Goals prevented | -0.49 |
While he wasn’t necessarily at fault for either goal, he didn’t inspire much confidence in his backline, who were poor.
Bursik’s distribution throughout the game left much to be desired, particularly when Pompey are looking to improve in that area this season.
The 25-year-old will get another chance against Watford to show his ability, but he needs to step up soon if he doesn’t want to get replaced.
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