After a week of criticism, doubts and frustration, City’s players must show progress on the pitch to restore belief that they can keep themselves within the promotion picture as the Championship campaign moves into its next phase.
David Wagner’s side have been forced to absorb negativity and criticism after a 6-2 mauling at Plymouth Argyle last weekend – which left captain Kenny McLean describing the performance as ’embarrassing’ and provoked an understandably negative reaction from the 1,400-plus travelling fans.
Norwich will need to respond to their biggest Championship defeat since 1996 with a much-improved performance in front of their home support this afternoon.
Wagner led the inquest after the game and in the days that followed and is confident his City squad have put that Home Park thrashing to bed.
“We had some clear and honest conversations about this game and what went wrong. It was so obvious what went wrong,” City’s chief said.
“This was a one-off which we have not had before and where we will do everything to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Wednesday was the first step to start to correct it, especially to be in a much better place defensively and still be focused on our pattern and structure in the offensive game.
“It was just the first step. Saturday is where it counts for us to make a further step. We want to extend our home record and get some extra points on the table. We will fight with everything we have to make it four wins out of five at home.
“What has happened last Saturday is in the past and we are focused on the future. We can’t change what happened in the past but we can in the future.”
Norwich will be on a redemption mission to show a much-improved outing that injects some positivity into their fanbase after three defeats in four matches.
A midweek Carabao Cup defeat at Fulham helped restore some belief into the squad and the fanbase, but Wagner is still searching for further improvement as they continue their league campaign.
“The Fulham game helped massively. You can speak about what went wrong, you can show it and what they have done very well beforehand compared to what they didn’t do in this game and how much this affected their performance but then there is a moment where the players are on the grass and have to correct it.
“They went back to what they’ve done before and we got an impact on Wednesday,” Wagner said. “This is why it was so helpful for everyone. It isn’t only words; it’s exactly how it is.
“If we do what we’re strong in, believe in, what we have spoken about and what we worked hard over the whole pre-season on our structure – if everyone does their job in and out of possession then we are quite uncomfortable to play against. This is what we have seen more than once this season and what we need to do again on Saturday.”
Norwich will likely make changes from last weekend’s side with Przemyslaw Placheta, Kellen Fisher and Jaden Warner all impressing in the midweek defeat at Craven Cottage.
Borja Sainz will also be included in the matchday squad after marking his debut with a goal. Wagner is hoping to utilise his squad as Norwich embark on another three-game week ahead of the October international break.
Warner impressed on his senior debut at Fulham in midweek, but Wagner played down the prospect of the youngster being handed a Championship debut this weekend but knows he will need the 20-year-old in the near future.
“It is very important that we do everything step by step,” Wagner said. “It was a first taste and a very good first impression from him. We were not surprised even if you don’t know if you don’t do it. We’ve seen him and the young guys in training and what they are capable of.
“Kellen (Fisher) as well with his third competitive game – very impressive. We have some very interesting boys in the background and they will get their game time in the season for sure because we will need everyone.
“Will this be tomorrow, the next two weeks or the next two months? Nobody knows. We don’t know when we will need them but they have shown they are close and that’s important.”
John Eustace’s side have experienced injury issues and a dip in strong early-season performances of their own and are hoping to inflict further pain on Wagner and his squad.
City’s head coach is anticipating a tight encounter but believes everything is there for the Canaries to return to winning ways.
“I expect a close game. A competitive game but it doesn’t change that we need to be focused on ourselves,” he said.
“We like to have a home win to get back on a winning track. If we play to our pattern, especially at home with the right atmosphere and everyone pushing in the right direction because we all have the same aim of getting three points, then we have everything there to be successful.”
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