Norwich City head coach Daniel Farke was over the moon with his side’s performance from start to finish in Tuesday’s 7-0 win at home to Huddersfield Town.
“It was alright, wasn’t it? Why should I lie? It was a great night and a top-class all round performance. We scored many fantastic team goals and the most remarkable thing was that we kept going from the first to the last second.
“Our counter-pressing, even in the second half when it was clear we would win the game, was spot on and focused. Every player was just thinking about the team and willing to invest with intensity, then your class can shine and ours was a lot today.
“We’re happy with the three points, the clean sheet and the seven goals, which is good for the goal difference and we edge closer to what we want to achieve in the end, so a fantastic night and we were capable of entertaining our supporters a bit, which is why we play this game.
“The atmosphere would have been great if Carrow Road was fully packed, which will hopefully be pretty soon, but I hope we could give them something to cheer about tonight and enjoy the game.”
City were 5-0 up at half-time following an outstanding opening half-hour, and Farke was desperate to see his side hold onto the clean sheet above all else in the second 45.
“It was important for me that we kept the clean sheet after 90 minutes and showed respect to the opponent and our supporters to keep going to the last second. I told them to keep those standards high was the most important topic for me.
“I think they had one chance with a header in the second half so you can’t avoid everything but we wanted to keep going without mistakes and create as many chances as possible to finish the game as strong as possible.
“I was pleased with the hunger, desire and tactical discipline. The best quality in football isn’t a no-look pass or a back-heel, it’s to make football look simple and for that you have to do the easy things really tidy and clean and be good in the detail.
“My lads delivered it in possession but also with great intensity against the ball so it was a pretty all-round performance.”
Andrew Omobamidele made his second start for City, while Grant Hanley made his 100th, Farke noting that the pair were able to keep the clean sheet intact thanks to the pressing of the players ahead.
“It was a team effort. We made the defender’s lives easier because we pressed with such intensity. To be there when it counts, although you can watch for five or ten minutes without being that involved, to play without mistakes is not easy and it’s what Grant and Andrew have delivered.
“For Andrew, back-to-back really good performances for him and that we were able to return with a clean sheet is a great reward for them both and the whole team.”
Dimitris Giannoulis and Max Aarons both missed Friday’s 1-1 draw at Preston North End, and Farke was pleased with their contributions against Huddersfield, but added that it wasn’t easy to leave out Bali Mumba and Xavi Quintilla.
“If both teams can prepare in a proper way, you realise what we can deliver today. I was quite pleased with Dimitris and Max. It was the right decision to rest them and not to risk any injuries before.
“It was tough to leave Bali Mumba and Xavi Quintilla out because I think they were solid and reliable in the last game. Xavi is a great guy in the dressing room and so important for our group, always and solid and reliable when we need them.
“The team is not about one player. Each played a major part and I’m also delighted for Jordan Hugill with a great goal today. It was definitely a good evening for the team and a great team performance.”