Daniel Farke: We have to keep proving we can grind out results

“No-one is carried away because we're all experienced to judge it properly,” Farke said in his pre-match press conference. “All the games are unbelievably difficult and there are no easy points. It's incredible what these lads are doing in our injury situation.

“There are no easy wins, even when you're top of the league after 17 games. Our most comfortable win was Bristol away, but even there they had a penalty.

“To grind out results is what winners do and I'm happy we've proved it so far, but we have to keep going to prove it over 46 games.

“To go through this period and still be successful, although the odds were against us, to be top of the league with a little cushion feels good and now some lads are coming back.”

Blackburn Rovers are up next, with Tony Mowbray’s side tenth in the Championship after a promising start to the 2020/21 campaign.

“Blackburn have top quality up front and play on the offense,” Farke added. “Mowbray is doing a fantastic job and they're competitors for the top six with the squad to achieve it.

“We have to make sure our defending is spot on and we play with compactness while bringing our game onto the pitch with lots of possession.”

Teemu Pukki is set to make his 100th appearance for City against Blackburn, and Farke was full of praise for his star striker.

“Pukki is the best free signing, not because of 100 appearances, but because of goals,” he said. “What he's done for this club is outstanding and his goal average is unbelievable for this level.

“When there are Prime Ministers from other countries in Finland, the President always gives them a Pukki shirt. He's normal, grounded and balanced. He's a team player.

“Many clubs were interested in Pukki but he loves to wear and represent the yellow shirt. He's a great ambassador for the club and a fantastic person. Long may it continue that we work with him.”

Should Alex Tettey play on Saturday, he’ll be making his 250th Norwich City appearance! It’s an incredible achievement for anyone in this day and age.

“In this business, it's rare that anyone is grateful or thankful,” Farke said. “Tettey having 250 games will be a sign of unbelievable quality, commitment and personality.

“We have to pray every season that he goes further on instead of returning to Norway to enjoy the snow. He always helps us on the pitch, off the pitch, in the dressing room. He's always there with a smile, professional, concentrated and focused.

“I tell him every day he can rest for 60 years on the sofa and eat lots of chocolate and cake in the future, but I won't allow him to finish his playing career before he's in his 40s. 250 is not the end, just a step.

“I tell you what, Alex is also a threat in the offense. It's no coincidence when he's within 50 yards of the goal, the whole stadium shouts 'shoot!'

“I told Sorensen after his goal that it's not easy to score like that. It was a typical Alex Tettey goal. He asked me if it was a compliment, so I showed him some Tettey goals.”