Clement Prepares for St Gallen Challenge
Philippe Clement is braced for a significant step up in Norwich City's pre-season as they travel to Switzerland to face St Gallen. The Canaries have eased back into action with behind-closed-doors fixtures against Kings Lynn Town and Colchester United, but the challenge intensifies at Kybunpark on Friday evening against a side further along in their preparations and gearing up for the Europa League qualifiers. Read more about Wright Thrives in New Midfield Role as Norwich Adapt.
St Gallen, who finished second in the Swiss Super League last season, are using the clash as their final tune-up before their competitive action begins against Benfica, while Norwich continue to build fitness and reintegrate key players, including new signing Andre Brooks. Read more about Norwich Target Agyekum as Midfield Reinforcement.
Clement is relishing this test as he continues to whip his team into shape ahead of a Championship campaign in which they hope to maintain the momentum gathered at the back end of the last season.
St Gallen: A Tough Pre-Season Opponent
Norwich City takes a major step up in their pre-season programme on Friday when they travel to Switzerland to face St Gallen, which could be their toughest warm-up fixture. This match represents a seismic step up in opponents after two cobweb-blowing matches against King's Lynn Town and Colchester United.
St Gallen is known for having the largest catchment area of any Swiss football club and boasts passionate supporters. Despite only winning two Swiss league titles, the club has seen a positive development since 2018, when Matthias Hppi became president, laying the foundations for a successful "green-and-white movement."
With a European game next week, St Gallen is expected to take this fixture seriously, making it a crucial test for Norwich.
What to Expect from St Gallen
Norwich can expect a physically demanding match against St Gallen, who have evolved their style of play to rely more on physicality and quick counter-attacks. Key players to watch include captain Lukas Grtler and midfielders Carlo Boukhalfa and Lukas Daschner.
Fans in eastern Switzerland have a particular affection for English football, and the announcement of Norwich City as St Gallen's pre-season opponents has generated excitement. The club has established itself in the upper half of the Swiss league without the backing of a wealthy owner, relying instead on local investors and supporters.
For Norwich fans visiting St Gallen, the Abbey Library and the Baroque cathedral are must-see attractions, along with the historic old town and nearby Lake Constance.