As the Championship season unfolds, Norwich City’s head coach, Liam Manning, has shed light on the fiercely contested right-back position. The decision between Kellen Fisher and Jack Stacey will hinge on the specific demands of each match rather than a rigid long-term strategy.
The competition for a starting role is intensifying, with both Fisher, aged 21, and the more experienced Stacey eager to secure their places in Manning's preferred XI. Fisher emerged as the primary option during Johannes Hoff Thorup's managerial tenure, showcasing considerable promise within a youthful squad. In contrast, Stacey's experience has proven invaluable; he signed a new contract over the summer and has featured in both of Norwich's Championship fixtures so far, including a 2-1 loss to Millwall and a subsequent victory against Portsmouth.
Fisher's recent performances have been a mixed bag. Despite conceding a penalty in the win over Portsmouth, he excelled in the Carabao Cup match against Watford, keeping his hopes alive for a return to the starting line-up. Manning praised Fisher's abilities, stating, “Kellen's all-round basics are really good. He gets forward and supports attacks quite well at times as well, and he's shown a bit of bite, which I like. I think that's important, against an extremely physical side in Watford.” He also acknowledged Fisher's breakout season last year, emphasising the need to build on that momentum. “It’s now about doing what the team needs, and he did that the other night,” he added. Read more about McLean Set for Training Return After Ankle Surgery.
In discussing the ongoing competition for the right-back position, Manning pointed out that while age and experience are factors, they do not solely dictate his selection choices. “That’s the competition. The age and the experience aren’t massively important when you look at it in isolation,” he remarked. “Across the team that you pick, when you look at the whole starting line-up, I think it is important.”
Manning's focus extends beyond matchday tactics; he is committed to fostering a competitive atmosphere within the squad. “When you look at it, using Kellen and Jack as an example, I really like the competition,” he said. “My job's then to manage it and support them. If one's ahead of the other, I'll definitely be sitting with the one that's a little bit behind.”
Clarity is also a priority for Manning, who aims to ensure all players understand what is required to earn a place in the team. “I’ll make sure that everyone’s quite clear on what they need to do to be in the team, but then also if you’re not, what you need to do to get in it. For me, I really want that competition in the squad.”
As Norwich City prepares for its upcoming challenges, the right-back debate represents just one of many captivating storylines developing within the team. Under Manning's leadership, an emphasis on competition could prove crucial in unlocking the squad's full potential this season.