Boss Farke piles on the praise after Amadou defies critics
could have done more against City with their injury problems, Hodgson said: “If you take great chances against them and push a lot of players forward they punish you on the counter-attack.
“I don’t know if we could have done a lot more with the players that we had to play against them than we did. I’m quite proud of the players, despite the coming out 2-0 down after half-time.
“The way they went about their business, and the way they worked so hard to keep going and even create a few chances which they did at the end.
“I don’t know if I could have asked the players for any more than they’ve given us.” DANIEL Farke believes makeshift defender Ibrahim Amadou delivered the perfect response to justifiable recent criticism by helping secure Norwich’s first clean sheet of the season.
Amadou, signed on loan from Spanish side Sevilla as a midfield anchor, has been forced to fill in at centre-back due to City’s defensive injury crisis.
The 26-year-old produced a commanding first start in the unfamiliar position during last month’s shock 3-2 win over Manchester City but has since struggled and was culpable of mistakes during the subsequent three-game losing streak.
However, Frenchman Amadou was a key performer in Saturday’s gritty goalless draw at Bournemouth, prompting plaudits from his manager.
“This is the player I want to praise most,” said Farke (above).
“He came from abroad, always difficult, different culture, different language and he had to adapt in a key role when he wasn’t playing that much in the centre-back role because he’s actually a holding midfielder.
“The last two or three games he was criticised and we can’t say anything against this because he was involved in a few scenes and a few goals, a bit unlucky.
“But to then go on and deliver this performance, I think he was outstanding and showed real steel and mentality and character, that says a lot about his personality.”