I’ve met Daniel Farke. He’s a really nice man. A genuinely humorous chap with a strong work ethic and a commitment to the task at hand. He’s going to be an asset to the club. But what of his plan? Will it work? Here’s my view…feel free to chide me in the comments below.
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Alex Neil was derided for not having a plan B. It appeared to the fans that AN was trying to win games on passion alone. Hoping to forge a team ethic and commitment that would carry them over the line against others. It had worked at Hamilton where he had been a passionate player and a passionate manager. It seemed, however, that his tactical abilities were lacking. Unable to stop teams exploiting our defensive frailties Neil was undone by something he hadn’t planned for; that other teams were equally passionate – but were also equipped with a set of styles, ready to be deployed as the manager saw fit.
Of course, that this is just what our perception, as fans, was. I’m sure the reality was very different – but it certainly didn’t seem that way to me.
But that is in the past. We now have Farke and the early showing is a manager with a VERY different philosophy to his predecessor.
He has openly admitted he wants his team to be the protagonists. To dictate the play, maintain possession, build from the back. He wants his teams not to be so rigid, however, in the execution of that plan that Norwich don’t become easy to read. The odd long-ball for Jerome to control on his chest will ensure that no team gambles on pressing too high.
With very limited resources we have delved into the lower echelons of the German leagues. He is clearly, and understandably, a big admirer; suggesting the 4th tier in Germany is equal to the 2nd tier in England. On the basis of Zimmerman’s pre-season he seems to be right.
With just a few days to go until the new season starts with a very tricky trip to Fulham all Norwich City fans will be hoping that this newly formed, newly drilled team have the vital ingredients to make a difference to what has gone before.
If things don’t go plan it won’t take long before the fans newly found optimism will start to slip and therein lies the challenge. When things aren’t going to plan how will Farke and Webber handle it? It will happen – at some point. It always does.
Let’s hope it’s not for at least the next few years!
OTBC!
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