Ahead of Norwich City's first Sky Bet Championship fixture of the season, head coach Liam Manning has been looking forward to getting started.
In his pre-match press conference, City's new head coach spoke about the environment he and his staff have created at Norwich, as well as providing an update on the squad.
"We've instilled some really good cultural aspects that will be really important going forward. They've bought in and are working. We're good to go, can't wait," he explained.
"Hard work is non-negotiable for me, it's the minimum we expect. What we fall back on is top behaviour."
On the topic of the squad numbers, Manning first addressed the business done by the club in the summer transfer window so far.
Jovon Makama's arrival on Monday was the 11th first team signing of this window.
"It's been a busy period, I think it shows our intent. There's been a lot of change but there were areas that needed addressing and improving. We're delighted with the work we've done to get people in, we wanted to be proactive.
"We've had support from the guys above in being able to do that. There's competition, depth and the early arrivals have meant we've been able to get a lot of work with them on the ground.
"We're a little bit heavy numbers-wise. The consequence of that will be players wanting minutes who potentially won't get them. There's always conversations behind the scenes, it's about honesty and clarity. Being able to sit with a player and set expectations, be clear.
"You can hold people to account then, we'll be up front to the point. Off the back of that, we'll work how we need to."
In terms of injury news, there are no further updates ahead of Saturday, with some progress reports on Kenny McLean and Lucien Mahovo.
"Nothing majorly different to what we've spoken about previously. A few are progressing well and on the right track, we're pleased with where the lads are at," Manning said.
"Kenny has responded well, he's progressing nicely on his on track with the original timeframe. He's out there every day, he's extremely vocal.
"Lucien is out on the grass, he's building up. Still a few weeks away but he's in a good place mentally which is equally important."
With McLean absent post-surgery, the topic of the captain's armband was also raised. The head coach also outlined the important of the leadership group within the squad outside of whoever wears the armband on a matchday.
"It will be my decision, Kenny remains as captain and you'll find out on Saturday when Kenny's not available, who will step in. We need leaders, the strength comes in leading from numbers.
"That's something that's important to us and that's where a leadership group comes in, you need the right blend, the right numbers."
Alex Neil's Millwall provide the opposition on Saturday for the opening game but Manning is keen to empower his team to play their own game.
"It's a lot harder to do it now because you haven't got a high volume of in-season games to watch. We do our work on the opposition but it has to start with us. What can we control? That has to be approach every game - our bravery, our purpose."