Canaries boss tries to clip fans’ wings
NORWICH boss David Wagner has called for calm heads as his squad prepare to tackle Leeds in the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-finals.
The Canaries finished sixth and host former head coach Daniel Farke at Carrow Road on Sunday for the first leg.
After coming through a difficult spell earlier in the campaign which saw Wagner’s future in the spotlight, Norwich produced a strong run of form since the turn of the year to give themselves a shot at another promotion.
However, Wagner – who guided Huddersfield up through the play-offs in 2017 and kept them in the Premier League the following season – knows nothing has been achieved yet.
“Some get excited three days before the game, some get excited when we go for our pre- match meal. We need to keep everyone calm and focused, then the excitement will start,” Wagner said at a press conference.
“One of our first targets was top six, fighting for promotion. That first step is done but it is only the first step.
“Everyone should embrace this situation. We had some exciting games already this season where the players delivered, the derbies, other big mustwin games where they were fully on it. That gives us trust and belief that we can deliver again.
“We have always done the same and that is what we will do again – focus on the detail.
“Irrelevant stuff you have to keep out, get our messages across. We will only have a chance if we do it together, on the pitch and in the stands.”
Norwich finished the regular season with a 1- 0 defeat at Birmingham, who were relegated on the final day after results elsewhere went against them.
Winger Christian Fassnacht missed the trip to St Andrew’s as a precaution but has resumed full training.
Forward Ashley Barnes remains sidelined by a calf problem but could feature again should Norwich progress.
Wagner also revealed Shane Duffy would be available for selection after the defender was charged with drink driving following a two- vehicle collision on Monday night.
Norfolk Police confirmed no one was injured at the scene. Duffy was later charged with driving whilst unfit through drink, having provided a breath sample of 102 micrograms of alcohol, which is almost three times the legal limit of 35.
Republic of Ireland international Duffy, 32, is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates Court on July 2.
Norwich said the club was aware of the incident and would be “considering the matter internally in accordance with its own disciplinary procedure”.
Wagner added: “The club made a statement. I don’t like to speak too much about it. It is a legal process now which is ongoing. We will assess it internally as well.
“He has been in full training since the beginning of the week. He trained like normal.
“Everyone was super focused, relaxed enough but excited enough, how it should be before such a game and this is how we will deal with the situation.”