Norwich City Head Coach Daniel Farke has commented on his side’s performance after they fell to a 3-1 defeat at home to Manchester United on Sunday.
Here’s what he had to say on the following topics…
The performance…
“It’s difficult for us to surprise on a weekly basis. We can’t always repeat such a historical night as the Manchester City game, especially when struggling with such injury problems. In the first half we didn’t do enough to surprise United.
“We have lessons to learn and my feeling in the first half was that we didn’t play with enough physicality, nor were we mature enough with our behaviour. The reaction was good in the second half because we tried to keep on going.
“I don’t want to blame my players too much, but you have to be critical in these moments. We have to be better at defending to be competitive at this level, otherwise we have no chance against the best sides in the world.”
The half-time substitutions…
“We needed more physicality. We started pretty well in the game with the first big chance, but it’s important that when you have a shooting position in the 18-yard box without any pressure you have to be focused and convinced that you’ll score, not happy that you just have a chance.
“I wasn’t happy with how we defended either goal in the first half. The second one wasn’t nearly good enough. I wanted to bring more experienced players in for the second half, but to turn the game when you’re playing the last 20 minutes with ten lads is difficult.
“I was pleased that we tried everything until the end and got a goal and were close to getting a second. The reaction, mentality and character were good, but our young players especially have to learn from the first half.”
Tim Krul’s saves and fitness…
“He was great, but he needs some treatment because he overstretched his knee where he had the ACL injury. I hope it’s not too bad, but we have to wait for the assessment tomorrow morning. He was fantastic and showed great character and experience. That’s exactly what we need in this moment.”
Other injuries…
“Ibrahim isn’t okay because he overstretched his knee and was in a lot of pain. He couldn’t play further on in his central role, so we had to change the system a bit to 4-4-1. That’s why it’s a risk as a coach to make your third change in the game early. I felt we needed to take the risk. It says a lot about his character that he wanted to stay on the pitch and help his teammates.
“Jamal felt poorly, and the doctor said he has a high temperature, so it’s just an illness or virus.”