Warne Anticipates Tough Match Against City
Paul Warne wants to face the best version of Norwich City in this afternoon's Carabao Cup curtain-raiser. The MK Dons boss is making an emotional return to Carrow Road and knows his side faces a difficult task against a City team who finished last season's Championship campaign strongly under Philippe Clement. Read more about Fisher and Makama Set for Returns Ahead of Cup Clash.
Warne believes City's aggressive attacking approach and intensity without the ball will make them demanding opening opponents. He hopes his side is tested by a Norwich team close to full strength.
"Knowing what little I know about Philippe, which is a little more than probably everybody else, but not much more, that he's super, super competitive. So, I don't expect him in any way to not go as strong as he possibly can," Warne stated.
He added, "On the games we've watched, how they play, and sometimes it looks like a 3-1-6, they've got six on the top line, and out of possession, they work really, really hard. I really like it, by the way." Warne acknowledged the challenging start to the season but emphasized the need for a strong performance to give his team a chance to win.
Clement Calls for Fan Support at Carrow Road
Philippe Clement is ready to go and has challenged Norwich City supporters to up their noise levels as they kickstart their competitive campaign this afternoon. The Canaries welcome League One MK Dons in the Carabao Cup today, with optimism growing after their strong finish to last term. Read more about Field Embraces Championship Pressure as Canaries Target Success.
Clement knows difficult spells will come but insists his players must give supporters a team "fighting from the first second until the last second." He hopes the fanbase will respond with positive backing. Read more about McConville Insists Cup Focus Ahead of MK Dons Clash.
"The minimum we can give the fans is that they see that this team is fighting from the first second until the last second to win the game and to give everything for the colours of the club," Clement said.
He added, "We're going to need the fans in the difficult moments, not only in the good moments. But I hope to give as many good moments as possible." Clement is eager to get the competitive action underway after a gruelling pre-season for his squad.
Warne Seeks Early Assessment of His Team
For Warne, the visit to Carrow Road will provide an early indication of where his new side stands. He believes the level of opposition and his players' ability to respond to adversity will offer a more revealing assessment than a routine pre-season victory.
"You do want to see your best players in the hardest of moments because as hard as the games are after that with Oxford away, Huddersfield at home, Leicester at home, as hard as they are, they're not as hard as Norwich away," Warne explained.
He emphasized the importance of judging his team not only on their performance but also on how they handle setbacks during the game. "Seeing it, the absolute truths of the game, then you just have a better understanding of your team," he concluded.