Norwich City are making the most of their first international break under manager Philippe Clement, who is keen to establish a robust foundation for the club's future. Since his appointment during the previous international window in November, Clement has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at Carrow Road, lifting the Canaries from the foot of the Championship table to a commendable mid-table position, while also securing a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Read more about Norwich City Target Fonville as Defensive Reinforcement.
With the league set to resume on Good Friday against Portsmouth, Norwich are entering a crucial phase of the season. They have seven remaining fixtures to solidify their upward trajectory, and Clement is eager to maintain the momentum he has generated since taking charge. Read more about Mundle-Smith Shines as Norwich Target Championship Glory.
During this international break, seven senior players are representing their countries, including Anis Ben Slimane and Ali Ahmed, who are travelling to Toronto, and defender Jose Cordoba, who is heading to South Africa. Meanwhile, the remaining squad members at the club's training facility in Colney will enjoy a well-deserved break, but for Clement and his coaching staff, the work continues without pause.
"This is a really busy period for the staff and me," Clement stated. "The people in the building find it an interesting time to plan meetings that otherwise we don’t have time for. We’re busy with several things inside the building to make it better for next season. We’re going to have extra attention to that."
In addition to strategic planning, Clement has organised an internal match, which will involve younger players and those who have seen limited action this season. "We want to ensure they gain their game rhythm and have a productive training week ahead of the match against Portsmouth," he added.
While Clement has expressed frustration regarding the unpredictable nature of the Championship schedule, he remains committed to monitoring the progress of his international players. "I want to follow everything. That's the most difficult thing about this period. We try to control as much as possible," he explained. "We let them eat here twice a day, focusing on recovery. We've been in talks with the players every day about things to improve their professionalism."
Clement also emphasised the youthful profile of his squad, highlighting the importance of development during this break. "They still need to learn a lot. At some point, you need to let them go. You don’t have control over what they’re doing with their food, training, and game minutes," he remarked.
To further support their growth, Clement has maintained open communication with the coaches of the national teams. "It was important to have talks about how the players are developing here. I have to say that everyone has been positive about the progress they see."
As Norwich City prepare for the concluding stretch of the season, Clement's proactive strategy during this international break could prove instrumental in ensuring the Canaries finish on a high note. Read more about McConville Targets World Cup Spot as Norwich Stars Shine.