Kenny McLean's Drive for Norwich Success
Norwich City captain Kenny McLean is determined to help drive the Canaries towards success as expectations rise ahead of the new season. Read more about Canaries Set for Historic Plough Lane Clash.
Fresh from signing a new contract at Carrow Road until 2028, the Scot has now touched down in the United States as he prepares for a huge summer with the World Cup soon set to get underway. Read more about Toure Targets World Cup Glory as Socceroos Aim High.
Upon his return to Norfolk, McLean is keen to build on the progress made since Philippe Clement's arrival, with Norwich collecting 56 points from 31 games under the Belgian, ranking fifth in the division over that period. Read more about McGovern Thrives in Celtic Coaching Role Under O’Neill.
Replicating that level across a full Championship campaign would be enough to push City firmly into the play-off picture and put last season's disappointment behind them.
Yes, I'm still looking at it as a missed opportunity, but in the end, we just didn't do enough, said McLean.
Building Team Spirit in Off-Season
Kenny McLean has built a strong bond with Philippe Clement since his arrival last November.
We know where we went wrong. We didn't start well enough, and that's quite apparent, but I think we need to take a lot from the back end of the season and use that confidence.
There was a lot of character shown and we'll be better and more resilient for that. Going forward, I think things look positive. There's optimism around the place, a real positivity around the city and among the fans.
There's an expectation, which as a player is incredible. That's what you want. You want that expectation at this football club.
I've seen it have success, I've been a part of it, and I want more of it. I'm going to drive that as much as I can.
McLean's Commitment to Norwich
The 34-year-old missed City's season finale at Hull with a minor back issue but returned to take part in Philippe Clement's ten-day post-season fitness camp.
I've been back in training with the lads. The manager had us in for 10 days, so I've been back training.
I missed the few days leading up to the Hull game. I went away for a week with the family, and then after about ten days, I was fine. It was on the Tuesday during training that I pulled up with my back.
Obviously, it was something that didn't allow me to play. It wasn't a case of it being the last game and there being nothing on it. There's always something on it when you're playing for this football club, even if it didn't look like there was much on it. That wasn't the case.
Kenny McLean missed the season finale at Hull with a minor back issue.
Again, I've got too much respect for the football club not to take the pitch every time I've got the opportunity and lead this team out, so I'm fine, he added.
I had ten days to two weeks out, a break, and I feel good now. I'm back training, so it's all preparations ahead.
The squad were captured playing padel and spending time at Wells Beach during the camp, as Clement focused on building squad unity and team bonding. However, McLean insisted it had been far from all fun and games.
Yes, we've done different bits, just staying active and getting to know our off-season programmes as well, which is going to be tough, let me assure you. But it's been good.
The atmosphere has been incredible, considering the situation. Obviously, it's not too normal coming in after the season has finished, but the lads have embraced it, which the manager is happy with. But they're still going to get a good break, McLean said.
The lads will get four to four and a half weeks off. As I say, the programme during that time will be intense, but we'll be ready for the off-season, which is going to be tough, and then we'll be good to go.
But if you want to be prepared to play three games a week, you need to put the work in in the off-season. There's no doubt about that. I don't know exactly what pre-season looks like, but I know it's going to be tough.