FARKE’S SALUTE TO STU AT PUKKI SWOOP
NORWICH City boss Daniel Farke admits he can’t take the credit for the inspired signing of Teemu Pukki, but he is more than happy to reap the benefits of the prolific striker.
The 28-year-old Finland international arrived at the Canaries on a free transfer in the summer after four seasons at Brøndby and has been on fire for club and country ever since.
He continued his ruthless form in front of goal last weekend – in his first start since returning from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for three weeks – with a brace in the 4-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday, maintaining City’s challenge at the summit of the Championship.
And while Farke was aware of Pukki’s prowess from a stint in Germany at Schalke, he said sporting director Stuart Webber deserves all the praise for securing his services.
“Big compliments to Stuart Webber that we were able to do this transfer,” said Farke. “We are happy to have Teemu.
“It was not so easy to play the last few games, although we were there with wins, because he is a key player for us.
“He’s so important with his smart movements and his workload for the team. He also has the ability to score important goals.
“Sometimes it is easier to score the sixth or seventh goal but to be there with the crucial goal is an ability all good strikers must have. He has this and we are pretty pleased he is now back.”
Farke also hailed the impact of 25-year-old German midfielder Moritz Leitner.
“He seems to have more time on the ball than other players but really that is because his technique is so good,” said Farke.
I WATCHED Norwich plenty of times last year and it wasn’t easy on the eye. Loads of possession, but no real direction. That they finished last Saturday top of the table is testament not just to the work of manager Daniel Farke but to the quality scouting that has allowed them to build a very good side on a budget. That is epitomised by Teemu Pukki. The Finnish striker was someone who struggled with the pace and physicality of Scottish football when he played for Celtic a few years ago. But he went away, found a lot of confidence at Brondby and went from an 8-10 goal striker to a 20-goal striker. Norwich spotted that trajectory, jumped in when contract negotiations faltered and signed Pukki on a free transfer. Now he has seven in 14 games and is spearheading a promotion push. That is good business.