Philippe Clement, Norwich City’s manager, has been recognised for his outstanding leadership by being shortlisted for the Championship Manager of the Month award for January. This nomination follows a successful spell that has seen Norwich secure four wins from six league matches, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Oxford United, which has established a seven-point cushion above the relegation zone. Read more about Toure Nets Hat-Trick as Norwich Thrash Oxford 3-0.
Clement’s impact on the squad has been significant, with notable performances such as a 2-1 away win against Wrexham and a crucial home triumph over league leaders Coventry City. His nomination places him among esteemed peers, including John Eustace of Derby County, Kim Hellberg of Middlesbrough, and Phil Parkinson of Wrexham, all of whom have made substantial strides with their respective teams. Read more about Norwich Target Vital Win Against Oxford in Championship Clash.
The citation for Clement’s nomination commends his ability to instil fairness, authority, and clarity within the squad. It states: “He has brought his presence, demands and fairness to Carrow Road, offering all the players a new start and lifting Norwich out of the relegation places.” Despite setbacks against Stoke City and Middlesbrough, recent performances suggest a positive shift in the team’s fortunes. Read more about Hernandez Joins Port Vale as Relegation Battle Intensifies.
As February unfolds, Norwich have maintained their momentum with clean-sheet victories over Blackburn Rovers and Oxford, reinforcing their upward trajectory. Clement has expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, remarking, “Confirmation that all the group is working hard. All the group start to understand more and more what's expected of them in different positions.”
He also emphasised the integration of new players into the squad, stating, “I think it was the first start of Sam (Field), first start of Mo. There's nobody who sees that it's new players, if they don't know. Liam (Gibbs), also, a long time ago that he played and for sure, and it was the same in the last weeks also with other players.”
Clement’s tactical approach appears to resonate well with his players. He noted, “You see that all the players are in the story about how I want to see them play football with and without the ball, how they need to work without the ball, how they need to move with the ball. And it becomes more and more clear for them.”
The winner of the Manager of the Month award will be announced on Friday, with a judging panel that includes former Barnsley manager Danny Wilson and pundit Don Goodman. As Norwich City builds on its recent successes, the anticipation surrounding this honour reflects the promising direction in which Clement is guiding the club.