Norwich City manager Philippe Clement is keen to dispel any doubts ahead of the FA Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion. With the Canaries recently distancing themselves from the Championship relegation zone, Clement views this fourth-round match as a vital opportunity rather than a mere distraction. Read more about Cordoba Credits Team Spirit for Resurgence Under Clement.
Earlier this season, Norwich secured a commanding 5-0 victory at the Hawthorns, but Clement expects a different challenge this time around. He noted, “It will be a totally different game. They played one game more with five at the back after us, and then they stopped doing that, and they start to play a different system. So that changes already. They are also longer together with the manager now, so they will be more into the story what he wants to do.” Read more about Clement Shortlisted for Championship Manager of the Month.
Despite the previous match's scoreline, Clement remains cautious, recalling moments when West Brom posed a threat. “They hit the post, they had also chances, so I don't expect a free ride, for sure, and we need to show really good quality to qualify to the next round. What is our ambition? I heard in the past sometimes that people said the cup was not so important. I don't want to hear that, and I don't want to see that," he remarked. Read more about Toure's Brilliance Sparks Valuation Debate at Randers.
Clement emphasised the importance of instilling a winning mentality within the squad, stating, “It's about creating this winning culture to want to win everything. And in the cup, you can do amazing things and create amazing memories with the squad together, and for these young players.”
The atmosphere surrounding Norwich City has noticeably improved, with Clement observing a renewed sense of optimism among the supporters. He shared, “There's a real buzz. You feel that. I don't come so much outside [of the training ground], but I hear it also from other people telling me, and when I've been outside a few times people come to me saying, 'I'm happy that our club is back.'”
This revitalised spirit has not only energised the fans but has also amplified Clement's ambition to propel the club forward. “I'm really happy about that, and I'm very full of hunger and desire to make it better and better to let this club grow. And you feel also all the motivation in the building, with the players, with the staff, with everybody involved in the club, to make things better,” he expressed.
In terms of team updates, goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic has returned to training after missing the midweek match against Oxford due to a quad injury. Meanwhile, Jakov Medic is a new concern following a back issue. Clement noted, “It's much better now, but not sure yet if he's ready for the game. We need to decide that. Vladan was back in the goalkeeper training, so he's close to fitness; he can be available or we can wait a few days.”
Clement is resolute in his approach to team selection, prioritising the needs of the match over the competition itself. “The team we pick has nothing to do with the competition or the league; it has to do with what the game needs to win,” he clarified. “We have to make these decisions every three days because it's impossible with the same players to play every three days, 90 minutes.”
He acknowledged the complexities of managing player workloads, particularly given the current depth of the squad. “In the situation that the group is for the moment, we don't have a squad where you have 22 players who can play 90 minutes, or 22 players who can be in the starting XI,” Clement explained.
Despite the challenges of squad rotation, Clement is pleased with the dedication of his players, including those who have seen limited action amid the recent surge in form. “It's a really honest group. I didn't have any difficulty with that. I will be clear with that. If that would happen, it's about the team. It's about results,” he stated. “They've been in a situation as a squad where there was a lot of negativity, where there was a lot of fire around them, where it was not so nice, and they didn't feel comfortable with that situation.”
As Norwich City gears up to face West Brom, Clement is focused on maintaining their positive momentum. “They're now in a situation where they get a lot of praise, where they get a lot of points, where they can have a lot of ambition still for the season. Let's keep it that way, with everybody working really hard and being available in whatever position that we want to put them in,” he urged.
Clement’s vision for the club extends beyond merely advancing in the FA Cup; he aims to cultivate a culture of success that can carry Norwich through the remainder of the season. “I'm really pleased about how everybody's stepping into the story,” he concluded. “But I will keep also the boundaries really tight around that, because that's, for me, the basics of a successful team and squad. It's about teamwork. And if people start to think only individually, they cannot be part of a team.”