Norwich City look set for a Premier League return only a year after dropping out of the top-flight. Despite finishing rock bottom of the league and accumulating a mere 21 points, Norwich stuck with Daniel Farke to bring them back-up.
(Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Should other clubs look at Norwich’s decision?
Gary Lineker referenced the success the Canaries have had in the Championship this season under the German coach. This followed the decision of Sheffield United to relieve Chris Wilder of his duties. Wilder had previously led the Blades from League One to the Premier League. Therefore, many would have fancied him to guide the South Yorkshire back to the dreamland next season.
Norwich currently sit comfortably top of the Championship, with eight games left this campaign. Farke has maintained his attractive and free-flowing style of football, which predominantly involves Norwich playing out from the back. However, the German will learn from his mistakes in the Premier League last time. Inevitably, he will tinker with his philosophy to give Norwich the best chance of Premier League survival next year.
Bournemouth and Watford, who also dropped out of the Premier League last season, have both been managed by two different managers this season. In contrast to Norwich, both have struggled to live up to pre-season expectations, albeit both still have a chance of getting promoted.
The Norwich model
Stuart Webber (Norwich’s sporting director) took the blame for the club’s failings last time. Webber recently highlighted how the club has to do things differently from other clubs in an interview. Aston Villa and Sheffield United went up with the Norfolk side in 2018/19, but both spent a combined £170 million. Alternatively, Norwich spent under £5m but continued to believe in promoting youth development through their self-sustainable model.
The progress since Daniel Farke’s first season in England is simply outstanding, after the Canaries finished 14th in the Championship that term. They were forced to sell James Maddison to Leicester and Josh Murphy to Cardiff. Both of which were arguably Norwich’s two best players that season.
However, the club had already prepared for losing Maddison by widely scouting Emi Buendia as a direct replacement. More recently, City sold Ben Godfrey to Everton for £25 million. His replacement was Ben Gibson, who has been a stand-out performer in a Norwich defence this campaign.
The Canaries will continue to work within their means in the transfer market but inevitably will have more money available this summer if they are promoted. Many argue the team is already stronger than the one relegated. So, with some further additions to strengthen certain areas, Farke will have a better chance of keeping Premier League football at Carrow Road for the foreseeable future.
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