Norwich City are gearing up to face Stoke City at Carrow Road this Sunday, and head coach Philippe Clement is faced with a significant decision regarding his midfield pairing of Kenny McLean and Pelle Mattsson. Both players have been instrumental in the Canaries' recent performances, yet the demands of a packed festive schedule have raised concerns about their stamina.
McLean and Mattsson have been ever-present during a demanding ten-day stretch that saw Norwich compete in four matches. Their partnership has flourished under Clement’s management, leading to improved control in midfield and enhancing the team’s overall effectiveness. Read more about Norwich Target Ahmed as January Transfer Window Opens.
Clement acknowledged the vital contribution of the duo, stating, "If they didn't have the good basics, then it was not possible. So not only being on the pitch 90 minutes, but being top 90 minutes and to be in all the duels and all the runs. I think the structure of the team helps them also now that they can focus on their role in the team. But of course, we cannot play all the games with the same two in the midfield. So I expect others also to step up." Read more about Clement Insists Sargent Stays Amid Transfer Interest.
With injuries to other squad members beginning to resolve, Clement is eager to inject fresh competition into the midfield. The return of Jacob Wright, who has previously played in a more advanced position, provides an additional option. “We cannot count on Pelle and Kenny for every game and for every minute of a game,” he remarked, emphasising the importance of rotation in maintaining player fitness.
As the team prepares for the match against Stoke, Clement is acutely aware of the physical demands placed on his players. However, he remains confident about their readiness. “It's a combination because I don't only lean on players, because that's very dangerous. Everybody wants to play and sometimes they're not honest," he explained. "We do daily tests. We also test their blood, for example, to see how they recover. So there are several tests made also to see how fast the recovery goes."
The recent advancements made by the squad have been promising. “It is a positive sign that the whole group is recovering better than four or five weeks ago. There's a clear evolution there. So that's very positive," Clement noted after observing the training sessions. "I saw good signs today in the training. I saw a lot of people in good moods, training well, being focused. There’s energy in the building, and that’s something we need to use tomorrow."
As the Canaries rally for the home match, Clement is keen to engage the support of their fanbase. "I expect also from the fans to give this extra energy to the team in the moments when they look tired," he stated. "Fans can give a tremendous boost to players also in these moments when they support them really hard. We had that the last couple of games in this home game, so I expect it again tomorrow."
With the festive fixtures concluded, Norwich City are poised to continue their pursuit of Championship success, but the strategic management of their midfield resources will be essential in the forthcoming weeks.