So, City have dipped their toes in unknown waters as the revolution continues.
Character after character was linked to the leading protagonist role at Carrow Road but an unlikely front runner finally emerged from the pack of managerial candidates; Rosler, Keller and Wagner all being left behind in the wake of an unknown quantity from Dortmund.
Daniel Farke’s name was met with confusion, a lack of knowledge but a fountain of excitement.
Despite the majority of City supporters gracing the initial mention of Farke’s name with ‘who?’ this German youth coach has been causing major ripples in the lower echelons of German football. His record since his appointment in the background of the Westfalenstadion have been widely documented on social media and make for encouraging viewing.
Farke has certainly made colossal strides in Dortmund.
Like many, I hadn’t heard of him. But the more I hear, the more I understand it.
His record speaks for itself. In his 56 games as BVB II Head Coach, he was beaten only six times. He averages 1.93 points per game and his Dortmund side concede less than a goal a game.
But how will that translate to the Championship?
Farke will have to approach his new role with integrity, knowledge and character. To inherit and manufacture a seemingly fractured dressing room with personality clashes and with a hackneyed streak running through its core and turning a section of this squad into Championship contenders will be an uphill task.
Concerning recruitment, Farke could bring Norwich’s first ever German player to Carrow Road, but the talent evident throughout the German game is highlighted by an impressive Germanic core constructed by Stuart Webber and David Wagner at Huddersfield. Michael Hefele signed for Huddersfield Town for Bundesliga 2 side Dynamo Dresden on a free transfer and has, arguably, been one of the most impressive players in a Town shirt.
If City can emulate this impressive recruitment Farke, renowned for his impressive coaching methods and techniques in his homeland, could lead Norwich to the cusp of Premier League football.
It cannot be ignored that the magnitude of his potential climb up the football hierarchical system is huge. Despite Germany being an innovative and down to earth nation, Farke seemingly has ambitions to manage right at the pinnacle of the footballing ladder, as he draws inspiration from his predecessor’s labours in this division.
Farke will need to bring a charismatic sense of newness into Norfolk in an attempt to select a side which is a philosophical and cultural representation of this club. A communal brand of winning football is what the fans are craving.
Tactically, he looks to marry offensive possession based football with stability and defensive organisation. His teams are particularly strong in the transitional phase of the game, when defence becomes attack and vice-versa. He traditionally he operates a 4-1-4-1 formation with a predominantly ball winning defender shielding the back four and two more expressive midfielders behind a lone striker.
His apprenticeship with Thomas Tuchel at the peak of German football will, hopefully, see The Canaries reap the rewards of a young, expressive coach. The fragmentation and predictable nature of Norwich City in the last campaign was evident for all too see; Farke will need to concoct numerous methods of attack to best impose themselves onto the different style of games.
As the summer weeks drift by and the return for football staggers along slowly, the reconstruction of Norwich City is well underway. And it hinges on the recruitment of players, player trading and team cohesion. If Farke manages to strike a balance, Norwich could be a very unique, attractive and modern side in a league that is infamous for its competition.
For many, the spark is starting to be reignited and the progressive approach is contagious.
For others, this is a cheap and unambitious move from a board out of touch with modern football.
I’d ask those people to reconsider their outlook. Whilst questioning the appointment of Farke, somewhat understandably given the recruitment of previous managers, be open to the new structure. Recognise this is a club who has made mistakes and is willing to rectify them. This is an exciting experimental period for a club we are all desperate to see succeed.
Back it, even if you doubt it.
Don’t reminisce about last season, because it’s gone. Don’t stress about the future because it hasn’t arrived. Live in the present and allow yourself to get a little bit giddy with hope and expectation as the thirst for football and freshness bursts into the football club.
This football club needs to be one because when we are one we have the ability to influence the performance of the football club. Let’s support and let’s play our part and trust the rest to take care of itself.
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