The good news ahead of the resumption of Sky Bet Championship hostilities this weekend is that Norwich City’s international contingent have come through their escapades of the last fortnight pretty much unscathed.
Talking to the assembled media at Colney on Friday lunchtime, Norwich City Head Coach, Daniel Farke told the press pack “Yes we are all okay. Some players a bit tired and some knocks. All in all, good for tomorrow.”
🗣 The Boss is about to address the media ahead of tomorrow's game at Boro… #ncfc
Updates here ➡️ https://t.co/86GI4rauyy pic.twitter.com/IMTl1lHKMm
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) March 29, 2019
Kenny McLean and Jamal Lewis we’re back on Tuesday with Farke understanding that international coaches wish to generally play their strongest teams but hoping that his players don’t get too much game time. Max Aarons only played 45 minutes in his last game but he’s in good shape along with Ben Godfrey.
Teemu Pukki only returned from his duty with Finland today, while Timm Klose was back on Thursday. The international break has given those left behind time to get back towards match fitness with Louis Thompson now back and ready to play matches again.
Norwich will face Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium, renamed in honour of Captain James Cook for this match, in what looks to be another tough away assignment but Farke is optimistic, speaking about the good mood that currently surrounds the club.
”We go further on. We know we are in a brilliant position and we want to be greedy and successful” he said.
”The fans are excited and the mood is so good. It’s a big surprise for them, we are trying to reach something extraordinary. You can feel everywhere the mood, togetherness and spirit. Around the City, at home and away. These are the times you enjoy being a supporter.”
On paper, Boro away is arguably our toughest remaining game, although Sheffield Wednesday is also looking tough since the arrival of Steve Bruce.
Tony Pulis teams always have a blueprint of how they play. Strong defensively as well as in the air, where they are always a threat from set-pieces.
Norwich have taken 30 points from the last 11 games but Farke had a few words of caution surrounding Middlesbrough, who he said, “have such experience and they are a good side.”
Putting in the work… 💪 #ncfc pic.twitter.com/kC8ClOJiix
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) March 29, 2019
Interestingly, he also spoke about the way that the club had plans for three possible scenarios at the start of the season.
”We prepared for League one, Championship and Premier League. Thank god now we don’t have to worry about League One!”
I wonder if Ipswich Town had such plans last August?
OTBC