Norwich City head coach Liam Manning believes his ‘relationship with the fans is recoverable’ after suffering a 3-1 derby day defeat against Ipswich Town this afternoon.
The 39-year-old arrived at Carrow Road off the back of an excellent season with former club Bristol City. The Robins were arguably one of the standout performers in the Championship last season, reaching the play-offs before losing to Sheffield United at the semi final stage.
As such, Manning became the primary candidate to replace Johannes Hoff Thorup at Norwich, which was eventually confirmed in June. However, the ex-Oxford United boss has failed to produce the kind of form he did at Ashton Gate.
Norwich travelled to Portman Road having won just two of their eight league games whilst having lost all four of their home games. This has put early pressure on the head coach, with some supporters already calling for his head.
Manning Hoping Fur Quick Turnaround
This afternoon represented a huge opportunity for Manning to enter the international break with his head held high. Norwich hadn’t lost to their bitter rivals in 16 years, but goals from Cedric Kipre, Jaden Philogene and Jack Clarke handed Kieran McKenna’s side a third win in four outings.
Speaking afterwards, the gaffer admitted he is under pressure but drew comparisons to his slow start at Bristol City:
“It’s where the world is at in this industry, unfortunately.
“When you look at the back half of last season, the change in the summer, where everything’s at, we’ve got a huge amount of work to do. I’m under no illusion.
“I’d have loved to hit the ground running, played some beautiful football and won games, and really built a rapport with the fans, but we haven’t done it.
“All I can control is keeping my head down and keep working.
“We’ve acquired a load of talent but we’re now in the process of trying to build a team. It does take time, but whilst you’re doing that you do have to win games and that’s what we’re not doing.
“You have to find a way of grinding out results to keep people on board and we haven’t done that well enough.
“If we win games the relationship with the fans is recoverable. I had it early on at Bristol. Rightly the fans are on us, we have to accept it, but the only way to change it is by delivering, and that’s what I’m focusing on.”
Writer’s View
This latest set back has come at the worst possible time for Liam Manning. With the international break now upon us, supporters will have two weeks to digest a first defeat against Ipswich in 16 years, which will make the calls for his head louder. However, Norwich must resist the temptation to cut ties. They have a head coach who has proven he is capable at this level and given time, can build a squad that can challenge at the top end of the Championship. This afternoon will hurt but it still early days.
