Jens Cajuste on why he re-joined Ipswich Town on loan from Napoli.
Following a summer of speculation, Jen Cajuste returned to Ipswich Town on loan from Napoli for a second season. Stuart Watson chatted with the Swedish midfielder.
Laid-back Jens Cajuste is relieved that his ‘hectic’ summer is behind him. The smooth Swedish midfielder had relished his year on loan at Ipswich Town, stating Suffolk life’suits me like a hand in a glove’.
Blues manager Kieran McKenna stated that it was ‘obvious’ that he wanted to bring back a ‘great’ player, despite the fact that the 26-year-old was clearly out of the picture at current club Napoli.
The return, however, was complicated. Relegation meant that an eight-figure obligation to buy clause was not activated, and there was a lot of interest in a player who never looked out of place in the Premier League.
A long-standing knee problem, which he is still dealing with, complicated matters. McKenna conceded ‘enough needed to happen’ for a reunion, while chairman Mark Ashton added that a contract would ‘need to be something that’s right for us, him, and his club’.
Both parties walked away to consider their choices. Ipswich agreed to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, but the player refused to join.
Cajuste, meantime, is said to have held negotiations with newly promoted Premier League club Burnley, Turkish club Besiktas, and Saudi team Neom.
Jens Cajuste says he feels fully fit now following a limited pre-season at Napoli.(Image: Ross Halls)
“I kept the key to my flat here just in case, and, yeah, it turned out pretty okay,” he says, smiling. “It was a stressful summer, to say the least, with whispers flying about. I won’t get into the details. For the most part, I delegate most of the transfer stuff to my agent and try to stay as out of it as possible. But, yeah, a few clubs were interested, and I was always looking forward to returning to Ipswich.
“I believe it is generally known that I had a wonderful time here in town, enjoying not only the team and coaching staff, but also the city.
So it felt like an obvious choice for me. “At first, it didn’t work out; I believe it took a little longer than both parties intended, but I’m glad it worked out in the end. I’m incredibly excited and happy.”
Jens Cajuste didn’t look out of place playing in the Premier League.(Image: Ross Halls)
When asked why he feels so at comfortable in Suffolk, Cajuste paused for a time before responding, “That’s a fair question. I do not know. I believe there are several variables, but one of the most important is the club culture in general. I believe it’s extremely welcoming and family-oriented, which I really love.
I’d also say that it’s a very quiet workplace, but also a hard-working environment, which I believe suits me nicely.” Another enticing element was the opportunity to renew a midfield relationship with Azor Matusiwa, who had previously played together at French club Reims.
“He’s a good, good footballer,” says Cajuste. “Very tough in duels, hard worker, and fits the style of play here perfectly.
And as a person, I believe he complements the group well. He’s incredibly easygoing and humble. Just a great man, I’d say. Nothing except compliments.
Jens Cajuste has been reunited with former Reims midfield partner Azor Matusiwa at Ipswich.(Image: Ross Halls)
“It’s been a long since we’ve played together, so it’ll probably take a few games to get back to full synergy. But, certainly, I think it’s an advantage that we have a prior history and know one other, so we should be able to catch up more quickly.
“All relationships on the pitch are important, and midfield is no exception.” Another motive for returning was to experience the intensity of English football. “I learnt a lot last season,” he explains. “I had a lot of challenging matches, but I believe those are the ones you learn the most from.
“To be honest, that could be the style of football that suits me best. I’ve played in a number of different nations (Sweden, Denmark, France, and Italy), as well as leagues, but English football has been the one to which I’ve felt the most at home.
Jens Cajuste is fouled by Lewis Travis in the 2-2 home draw against Derby. It was an impressive first start back at the club.(Image: Steve Waller)
“I believe the knee is under control. I’m handling it. I started 25 of my 30 Premier League games last season.
I believe the knee is in better shape than it was in the summer of last year (when Brentford opted out of a medical contract), so things are looking well. It is all about management. “There will be more games this season, yes, but we’ll also have a few moments of breaks where I get some more extra rest, so that’s good.”
Cajuste was eased back into action with substitute appearances against Southampton and Preston after missing out on Napoli’s preseason. Impressive beginnings against Derby County (78 minutes) and Sheffield United (63 minutes) followed.
“I was playing a little bit of catch-up the first week and a half, I’d say, but right here, right now, I’m pretty much back to full fitness,” he jokes. “Game time differs from training sessions, so that will be a natural progression. I’m not sure how many minutes I’m fit for, whether 90 or 60.
“We will have to wait and see.” Town’s £7.5 million addition of midfield playmaker Marcelino Nunez from Norwich City will undoubtedly relieve the burden on Cajuste to push himself to the limit. “I believe that’s good. “I think that’s what we need,” he adds of capturing the Chilean international.
“With so many games in the season, there will have to be a lot of rotation. I think competition makes you better, so we embrace it.”
Marcelino Nunez will provide stiff midfield competition for Jens Cajuste.(Image: Steve Waller)
Ipswich fans have made it obvious that they are overjoyed to have Cajuste return. During his first touchline warm-up during the season’s first home game, fans in the North Stand sang his name with enthusiasm.
The midfielder’s face lights up when he recalls that moment. “I’ve always felt that appreciation from the fans and I’m very thankful for it,” says the coach. “I was pretty focused on the game, so I was trying my best to tune it out, but it was a very special moment.”
Cajuste has spent the past three years competing in Ligue 1, Serie A, and the Premier League. When asked what he expected from the Championship, he replied, “To be honest, I was very surprised at how intense it was and the level of competition here the first couple of weeks.” It was somewhat shocking, to be honest.
I said, ‘Whoa’. “I’ve heard from my team-mates, from the coach, that it’s a tough league, there are no easy games, every game’s going to be a dogfight and just to be ready for it.” Cajuste’s last of 25 caps for Sweden came more than a year ago.
When asked if returning to the international set-up was a goal ahead of next summer’s World Cup in North America, he replied: “National team, of course, is a big honour, and when called upon, you answer.
It’s big, and it means a lot, yet it’s not in my hands or under my control. The main focus is entirely on club football. I just keep trying my best, and whatever happens, happens.
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