Vladan Kovacevic emerged from Norwich City’s exhilarating 2-1 win against Portsmouth with a newfound appreciation for the Championship's demanding nature. The Serbian goalkeeper played a pivotal role in securing the team's first league victory of the season, expressing surprise at the competition's physical intensity. Read more about Norwich Launches Mobility Bus Service for Matchday Access.
After a hard-fought match at Fratton Park, Kovacevic spoke to the media, visibly showing the exertions of the encounter on his arms and back. “To be honest, I didn't expect that,” he remarked, gesturing towards the scratches that tell the story of a tough battle. “It's like scars and everything. So, yeah, really tough game to play. And like I said, welcome, Vlad. I will be more aggressive. That's the big lesson.” Read more about Ashton Shines as Crewe's Prodigy Before Untimely Exit.
Having previously played in leagues across Bosnia, Poland, and Portugal, Kovacevic noted that the Championship's physicality presents a significant challenge. “I played in Poland. It's a similar league, but not like this. In Portugal, they play football. They don't kick the ball. When you kick the ball, the coach screams at you,” he quipped. “You kick the ball, and then they kick the ball. And then you catch the ball, you kick the ball. That's the Championship. But like I said, I think this team is ready for that. But we prefer to play more football, as we showed today.”
Kovacevic's performance in goal was commendable, denying Regan Poole from close range and executing a remarkable save against Colby Bishop's penalty attempt. “I like to help the team every time. So, that's my job. Like I said, the luck was on my side. I saved, in the crucial moments, some balls,” he reflected. “But, as well, the team performance and how we defended today was brilliant. I'm really happy and proud for the team and for the staff. They prepared the game. We expected this kind of game. So, yes, we are happy to go home with three points.”
Norwich City’s victory not only marks a significant step forward in their campaign but also highlights Kovacevic’s adaptability to the rigours of English football.
**Darling’s Set-Piece Mastery Fuels City’s Victory at Portsmouth**
Harry Darling emerged as a key figure for Norwich City in their 2-1 triumph over Portsmouth, showcasing his prowess in set-piece scenarios that greatly contributed to the team's success.
The summer acquisition from MK Dons initiated the scoring with a skillfully executed header from a free-kick taken by Marcelino Núñez before providing an impressive long throw that facilitated Josh Sargent's second goal. “As is often the case with Harry, I think he was messing around at the end of training in the week,” remarked manager Liam Manning, who was pleasantly surprised by Darling's impactful contributions during the match. “We watched them against Oxford and thought it was an area that we could cause problems.”
Manning commended his players for their execution, acknowledging the intricate preparations that underpin successful set pieces. “There is still a lot else that goes into set pieces that not everybody will see, the blocks and the movement,” he noted. “It was a really, really enjoyable goal. We know how important set pieces are. Credit to Nick (Stanley), credit to the lads for taking it on board.”
Despite a strong start, the latter stages of the match were fraught with tension as Portsmouth managed to pull one back through Adrian Segecic, necessitating Kovacevic’s heroics once more to stave off a penalty. Manning confessed to feeling the pressure during the closing moments. “I was exhausted, to be totally honest. I was feeling the same emotion as everybody else watching it. Draining and tiring. Coming here is such a difficult place,” he admitted.
The victory not only bolsters Norwich’s confidence but also exemplifies the resilience essential for success in the Championship. “We showed a different way of winning, a real resilience, a real togetherness, a fighting spirit,” Manning concluded. “That’s going to allow us to be in games and allow us to improve. There are some real big positives to take.”
As Norwich City gears up for their next encounter, the combination of defensive strength and attacking capability demonstrated against Portsmouth could set a promising precedent for the remainder of the season.