The article discusses the current situation of David Wagner, the manager of Norwich City Football Club. The author expresses their belief that Wagner’s tenure has been underwhelming and that a change is now required. They compare his performance to that of Dean Smith, the previous manager, who had better results despite lacking fluidity and spark in the team’s play. The team’s current position in the league is also mentioned, with the author emphasizing their disappointment in the team’s regression under Wagner’s leadership. They argue that Wagner’s lack of experience and inability to adapt make it unlikely for him to turn things around. The article concludes by presenting two options for the club: giving Wagner more time or making a change now to salvage the season.
The author begins by acknowledging that there seems to be a unanimous opinion among fans that David Wagner’s tenure as manager of Norwich City has been underwhelming. They highlight the inconsistency in the team’s performance, with occasional moments of magic but consistent capitulations, poor possession, and a lack of goals. The author suggests that the patience of fans is wearing thin, and they agree with the majority that a change is now required. They compare Wagner’s performance to that of Dean Smith, the previous manager, who had better results despite a lack of fluency in the team’s play.
The article then goes on to provide a comparison of the team’s performance last season under Dean Smith and their current performance under David Wagner. They note that after 13 games last season, the team was in a much better position, sitting second in the table with 24 points and seven wins. In contrast, this season the team is languishing in 14th place, seven points worse off, and has only won one game in their last eight matches. The author questions whether Wagner’s successor will be able to bring the team back to a top-six position in the near future.
The article acknowledges that the hostility towards Wagner is unlikely to reach the same level as it did towards Smith. This is attributed to Wagner’s more extroverted and emotive demeanor, his willingness to engage with supporters, and the fact that he has not targeted the fans who fund the club. However, the author states that there is no escaping the fact that the team has regressed under Wagner’s leadership and that the results have been farcical since his arrival. They highlight the team’s poor record of 24 points from 24 games, including six wins, six draws, and 12 defeats.
The author then discusses Wagner’s coaching philosophy and compares it to Smith’s pragmatism and adaptability. They argue that Wagner’s philosophy only works in specific conditions and that he lacks the ability to read or manage a game effectively. They also criticize his decision-making, highlighting his questionable substitution of Adam Idah in a recent match. The author concludes by expressing sympathy for Wagner due to the absence of key players like Josh Sargent and Ashley Barnes, but argues that this should not derail the team to the extent it has. They acknowledge the complexities surrounding Stuart Webber’s impending departure and Ben Knapper’s arrival but present two clear options for the team: giving Wagner more time or making a change now to salvage the season. The article suggests that failure to get a result in the upcoming matches could lead to further fan backlash and potentially a change in management.
