Former Leeds United player and current EFL pundit Carlton Palmer believes that Norwich City‘s board could take action against head coach David Wagner if the side fail to win two of their next three matches.
The Canaries had managed to pick up some decent form before and after the international break, having beaten Cardiff City in Wales and Queens Park Rangers at Carrow Road on Saturday.
However, after being 2-0 up away at Vicarage Road on Tuesday, Wagner’s side crumbled to lose 3-2 against Watford, leaving them 14th in the Championship and seven points behind the final playoff place.
It was reported a few weeks ago, following a disastrous 3-1 home defeat versus Blackburn Rovers, that Wagner was coming to the end of his time in charge, but back-to-back victories have bought the German coach some time.
Furthermore, key shareholders Mark Attanasio and Delia Smith admitted that the club can’t continue sacking managers, publicly backing the current head coach. Nevertheless, one man still believes that the ex-Huddersfield Town boss’ time at Carrow Road could be coming to an end soon.
Speaking to Football League World, pundit Carlton Palmer has admitted that he believes Wagner must win two from his next three matches against Bristol City, Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday to remain in a job:
“Norwich City are languishing in 14th place in the Championship, some seven points adrift of the play-offs,” Palmer said.
“It has been a disappointing season so far for David Wagner.
“There were huge hopes that Norwich could mount a promotion challenge this season with the recruitment they did this summer,” Palmer continued.
“Four defeats in their last six games, they were 2-0 up at Watford, seemingly cruising to a third straight victory, only to be beaten 3-2.
“The pressure is mounting week by week against Wagner.
“Unfortunately David needs wins now, draws are no good to him.
“Bristol City away, Preston at home, Sheffield Wednesday at home, I think David needs two wins out of these three games or he could well be out of work.”
Writer’s View
As things stand, the Canaries are struggling. However, the club can’t keep sacking managers in the hopes of securing sustainability. Daniel Farke finished 14th in his first season in charge which is where Norwich were prior to this weekend’s fixtures.
Norwich City aren’t out of the promotion race just yet, but if results continue to decline, the board may have no other choice but to relieve Wagner of his duties. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
