Norwich City manager Liam Manning insists his side will be ready for Sunday’s East Anglian derby against Ipswich Town despite a poor run of form.
The Canaries travel to Portman Road sitting 19th in the Championship table, without a win since August and having suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion in midweek.
Derby Day Opportunity
Norwich have lost all five of their home fixtures in league and cup this season but remain unbeaten on their travels. That record offers some encouragement heading into an Old Farm derby they have not lost for more than 16 years. Manning admitted that while performances have been inconsistent, the fixture presents the perfect chance to reset.
“Ipswich was always going to be a big game. We understand the importance of it and the lads will be ready to go. It is a different game in terms of what has gone before gets parked,” he said. “It is a huge game. It is a good time for us to go into that game. The lads will be fully aware of what it means to the fans and we will be ready on Sunday.”
Norwich supporters voiced their frustrations after the West Brom defeat, with Manning acknowledging the atmosphere around Carrow Road has been difficult.
“It hurts. We are in the results business and that is not good enough,” he said. “I understand the reaction from the fans. We are not winning at home and that is unacceptable.”
Manning’s Challenge
The former Oxford United head coach is still searching for a formula to lift the Canaries, who have struggled to find attacking fluency. Despite drawing at Stoke and showing signs of improvement in London, Manning admits the lack of quality in the final third is proving costly.
“I thought there was some much better stuff in terms of performance, but that doesn’t count for much. I challenged the lads to go and play with some bravery and identity and I thought they did. But ultimately we lacked quality in and around the box to get your rewards for all the other bits.”
For Ipswich, who have started strongly under Kieran McKenna, the derby offers a chance to end a 16-year wait for victory in the fixture. For Norwich, it is an opportunity to reignite belief under Manning and relieve pressure in front of an expectant fanbase.
Writer’s View
Norwich arrive at Portman Road under pressure, but the derby represents both a danger and an opportunity. Ipswich will be the favourites in the latest football odds given their current form, yet Manning is right to frame the contest as a fresh start.
If his side can channel their resilience away from Carrow Road, the long unbeaten derby record could provide a platform to stabilise their season.
