Sheffield Wednesday defender gives his thoughts after Xisco Munoz replaced Darren Moore

The defender played 45 minutes of the Owls’ 1-1 draw with York City on Saturday, getting some important minutes in his legs as the team continue their preparations for the 2023/24 season back in the Championship.

One notable change from Munoz was his decision to move to a back four rather than utilise a back three like Darren Moore, and ‘Icky’ says that it’s key that they try and get their head around the Spaniard’s way of working as soon as possible.

"He hasn’t been here that long,” Ihiekwe told the media. “But he has been really good. Every manager has got different ideas so we are in that phase where we are trying to soak everything in… It’s early days so in training he has been trying to implement little things. I think as players it’s important that we soak everything up. Every manager has got different ideas. I’m sure we will know more in the coming weeks.

"Wembley was a massive high and stuff behind closed doors has happened, but it’s our job as players when we put the shirt and badge on is to give 100%. We are focused on taking that positivity into the Championship and working hard.”

The centre back also reaffirmed the idea that Munoz wants to play on the front foot this season, adding, "He wants to play attacking football, and I’m sure the fans will be excited for that. It’s about us as players trying to take in everything he says. It’s early days at the minute, but that’s why every training session is so important… We have to really focus and put our minds to what he wants and it’s up to us to then perform.”

Wednesday’s next preseason challenge will see them face Chesterfield at the Technique Stadium on Tuesday evening in a game that is taking place as Drew Talbot’s testimonial game, and Ihiekwe is set to get another decent runout in what will be their final friendly before travelling to Spain for a warm weather camp on Saturday.