Philippe Clement has praised the unwavering support of Norwich City’s fans, emphasising their pivotal influence in the team’s 2-0 victory against Blackburn Rovers at Carrow Road. The Belgian manager, who has overseen a notable improvement in the club's performance, highlighted the importance of reconnecting supporters with the players during a season that has posed significant challenges. Read more about Clement Awaits Injury News on Diallo and Makama After Win.
Under Clement's guidance, Norwich have secured six home wins from nine matches, significantly uplifting morale and transforming the atmosphere at the club. “You need your fans in the difficult moments also to give you a positive push,” he stated. “I've seen on video, or heard on video, the negative push at the beginning of the season in a difficult situation. Now it's totally opposite. So I hope to keep that. I told you in the press conference before the game I feel we're at that point now that the fans come with belief, and that they see the team fight.” Read more about Norwich Face Key Player Departures as Relegation Looms.
The match itself presented its challenges, with the team occasionally struggling to make the best decisions on the ball. Nonetheless, Clement expressed his appreciation for the fans’ encouragement, which invigorated his players. “The fans believe now that the team will kick on in the second half and they will show more quality again, and with their energy, with their loudness, with their singing, they gave my players also a lot of energy,” he remarked. “I'm really, really, really pleased that that's back, because that's the foundation of a good, successful football club.” Read more about Norwich Target CPR Awareness with Unusual Kick-Off Time.
Despite a few early setbacks, Norwich ultimately delivered a performance worthy of victory, with Anis Ben Slimane and Mohamed Toure scoring late to secure the points. Clement maintained that his side were the dominant team throughout the match, particularly in the second half. “If you say, ‘Your side found a way to win,’ then you think that the game was in the balance. That was not the case for me,” he insisted. “We were the team also attacking. We were the team creating chances, for sure, second half.”
He acknowledged the challenge presented by Blackburn’s disciplined defence but was pleased with the determination exhibited by his players. “In this league, there are no easy games. You need to fight every time really hard to get three points. But I'm really pleased to do it in that way that we almost didn't concede one shot at goal; I don't remember one save for Vladan (Kovacevic), and we scored two good goals, and we had also other chances.”
This victory has not only improved Norwich’s position in the league but has also fostered a renewed sense of optimism among the fanbase. With the Canaries now four points clear of the relegation zone, there is a burgeoning belief that the team can ascend the Championship table as they approach a crucial series of fixtures against lower-ranked teams.
Clement's focus on the supporters' role in this revival is paramount; the backing from the stands will be essential in the weeks ahead. Norwich's next challenge lies against Oxford United, where they will aim to build on this positive momentum and further distance themselves from the relegation battle.