Philippe Clement sends a determined message as Norwich City prepare to face Birmingham in his first match.
Birmingham City will host Norwich this weekend in Philippe Clement’s first match in charge since leaving Rangers in February.
The Belgian coach was officially hired as Norwich City’s new manager this week, succeeding Liam Manning, and has promised to work “day and night” to improve the club’s prospects.
Clement inherits a problematic team with only three days to prepare before traveling to St Andrew’s on Saturday. Norwich come into the game on the heels of an 11-game winless skid and eight straight home defeats, placing them second-bottom in the Championship. Manning’s fate was decided following their final match, when former Birmingham midfielder Jordan James scored a 90th-minute winner to give Leicester a 2-1 victory and worsen the club’s plight.
Norwich has also performed poorly away from home, winning only two of its eight league games this season. Their previous visit to Birmingham, on the penultimate day of the 2023/24 season, resulted in loss and contributed to the Blues’ relegation to League One.
Since then, the two clubs have taken radically distinct routes. Birmingham swept through League One and have made an amazing comeback to the Championship, sitting 12 places and 12 points clear of Norwich. Clement is determined to narrow the gap and says he wants his new team to play with intensity and aggression.
“That’s how I love football and that’s been the case at every club I’ve managed,” Clement told the crowd. “I feel entirely prepared; else, I would not have made this decision. I see potential in this club and the players, and I hear a definite commitment from the people here to spend more in the future. Not only in January, but throughout the years to come.
He underlined that his football philosophy has always been built on attacking with purpose, pressing high, and playing at a fast pace. “In every club I’ve worked at, we’ve played attacking football with high intensity, pressing aggressively, and aiming to score goals,” he said on the team’s website.
However, he also emphasized the significance of improving defensively, conceding that the squad had conceded far too frequently this season.
Clement said that he had seen nearly all of Norwich’s matches prior to assuming the position and was already familiar with some players due to previous transfer interest. However, he recognized that the squad’s confidence appears to be low, and that certain players are performing below their regular levels.
“I have seen better from some of these players in the past. Right now, there’s certainly a lack of confidence, but that’s a challenge that inspires me to bring out the best in everyone,” he said.
Clement vowed complete dedication to the challenge ahead. “I’m absolutely committed, and anyone who knows me knows I work tirelessly to improve things, achieve outcomes, and sustain them. They won’t see me in pubs or restaurants; I’m here to work. Norwich is a stunning section of the nation, but that is not why I am here. I’m here to generate results and help this club achieve its goals.”
These objectives, he stated, include returning Norwich City to the Premier League in the near future.
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