Neil: We're still in with a chance
ANYTHING could happen if Norwich City pick up maximum points over the next week, says boss Alex Neil.They are currently two off the automatic promotion places in the Sky Bet Championship following last Friday’s home defeat to Middlesbrough, with only two matches remaining of the regular season.
Speaking to Norwich City TV before Saturday’s trip to Rotherham United (3pm), Neil cited Sheffield Wednesday’s draw at Bournemouth as an example of the type of results that could swing the momentum back in the Canaries’ favour – as long as they do their jobs against the Millers and then Fulham on the final day.
“What we’ve got to do is take care of our part, because the worst thing for us would be if we don’t take care of our business, and other teams do slip up, there would be that opportunity that you’d have let pass by,” he commented.
“We need to make sure that doesn’t happen. We’ll take care of our business, and you’ll never know what’s going to happen from there.
“If you look at the game at the weekend with Bournemouth and Sheffield Wednesday, it showed everyone what’s capable of happening between now and the end of the season.”
City’s boss described the ‘Boro reverse as ‘painful’ in the immediate aftermath, with Alex Tettey’s own goal handing the Teessiders the initiative in the promotion race.
He has been pleased with the reaction of his squad this week however, adding: “That sort of defeat is always going to linger about for a bit, but we’ve had the debrief, we’ve had a look at the game and we’ve put it to bed, as we do with every game.
“In football, you’ve always got another opportunity to redeem yourself and we’ve got that on Friday. I don’t like the feeling of losing games – I’m not used to losing games and neither are the team. What we’ve got to do is go and respond, and respond strongly.”
Neil revealed that the Club’s medical team are working hard to ensure a clean bill of health for the clash with Steve Evans’ Rotherham, who have Championship survival to fight for after their points deduction was confirmed on Friday.
“With them being at home they will want to go and make sure that they keep their status in the league,” he said.
“They’re a decent side. They like to flood middle areas, they’re strong and they’re relatively direct. We’re going to have to be big, strong and make sure that we move the ball quickly. Hopefully our quality should come through in the end.
“There are a few bumps and bruises. Obviously with the three games in six days, it takes its toll. I’m hopeful that the majority of them should be ok for Saturday.
“If we do what we have been doing, certainly over recent weeks, then we should be ok.”