Norwich City’s recent hiring of sporting director Ben Knapper has raised questions about how he plans to make an impact without the ability to make immediate changes in the transfer market. Traditionally, the role of sporting director in English football has been focused on recruitment, and Knapper’s predecessor, Stuart Webber, was both praised and criticized for his transfer successes and failures. However, Knapper’s approach seems to focus on other aspects of the job, such as tactical consultancy and innovation in training methods.
Despite not having the ability to make immediate changes in the transfer market, Knapper’s knowledge and passion for the game are evident, and he is focused on using tactical consultancy to bring a fresh perspective to Norwich. This may involve working closely with head coach David Wagner to address ongoing tactical issues and provide new solutions. Additionally, Knapper plans to implement innovative training methods, such as the use of virtual reality headsets, to aid in the team’s progression.
While Knapper may not be able to make immediate changes through transfer activity, his approach suggests that he is looking at other areas to make an impact on the team. This includes analyzing and addressing the team’s tactical shortcomings and introducing new training methods to improve performance. It remains to be seen how these changes will affect the team’s overall performance, but it is clear that Knapper’s role goes beyond traditional recruitment duties and focuses on a more holistic approach to driving the team forward.
