Joe Pateman on Wagner, Knapper and absent Norwich City players
As the crisp breath of autumn approaches, Norwich City manager David Wagner faces a frosty reception at Carrow Road from fans who want to see him replaced by the new sporting director, Ben Knapper. While many are surprised to see Wagner still in post, there are still some fans, like the writer, who believe in his ability to lead the club to promotion. However, his recent decisions, such as starting Kellen Fisher and Przemysław Płacheta in a recent match, have left some fans questioning his judgment. The writer points out that the decision to start these players didn’t pay off, leading to a change at half-time that ultimately resulted in a better performance from the team.
The writer also questions whether Knapper’s decision to keep Wagner as manager is a good sign. Despite being a fan of Wagner, the writer acknowledges that the team’s current situation, with a quarter of the first team squad unavailable due to injury, is making it difficult for the manager to achieve results. The return of key players like Ashley Barnes could provide a much-needed boost to the team, as his absence has been keenly felt. Additionally, the writer notes that Adam Idah’s recent goal for the team is a positive sign and hopes to see more of his impressive form in future matches.
Despite the team’s difficult circumstances, the writer continues to support Wagner, pointing out that with a full squad at his disposal, the manager has delivered solid results and impressive football. The writer emphasizes the impact of injuries on the team’s training and overall performance, and urges fans and critics to consider the challenges faced by the manager. While the decision to keep Wagner as manager may raise questions, the writer remains hopeful that the team can overcome their current difficulties and achieve success under his leadership.