Daniel Farke’s refusal to criticise his players in the media proves he is a manager who can handle the pressure of the Premier League. The Canaries are now back in the big time and were handed a tough start to the season, with games against Liverpool and Chelsea in their first three fixtures.
While they were thrashed 4-1 by Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, Farke’s charges went down 3-2 to the Blues on Saturday, meaning they sit in 17th spot in the early table, with three points to their name.
Those came courtesy of a 3-1 win over Newcastle United and, while it’s tough to assess right now where exactly in the table they might end up in May, it seems as though it may be a struggle for the newly-promoted side over the course of the campaign.
Despite sitting near the foot of the early standings, Farke is unconcerned and has backed his charges after their tough introduction to life in the promised land. “We don’t have to worry too much,” he said. “We have had three unbelievably tough games and played, for me, two of the best sides in this division. “We have the first win under our belt and we have been competitive.”
While Norwich competed well with Chelsea at the weekend, individual errors cost them dearly when conceding the goals.
Grant Hanley was one of those guilty and came in for post-match criticism after allowing Tammy Abraham to score the winner through his legs.
Farke knows there is no hiding place in the Premier League but unlike a few notable managers, will always keep his thoughts on individual players to himself. “It is not harsh if people want to criticise,” he added. “I don’t accuse my players in public. We speak in a calmed down way. “It is so difficult to defend top class players in every situation. Grant was able to deal with a lot of those.”
Jose Mourinho was extremely vocal in criticising the likes of Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba while at Manchester United but Farke’s decision to keep his own counsel only adds to his growing reputation as one of the best up-and-coming managers in the English game.
There will be times when things go wrong during the 38-game season and it is then that the players look to the boss.
A calm head will then be required and the German tactician has already shown that he possesses one.
