I didn’t go to Millwall. I was sat in a caravan in Lincolnshire, desperately scrambling to find updates of events at The New Den. I ended up with Football Focus, as I was engaged in the vidiprinter awaiting news from South London.
As the reporter described Norwich’s early dominance, I was overjoyed and my mind was excited as it seemed Daniel Farke’s formula was finally clicking. And then Millwall went 1-0 up… and then 2-0…
Without WiFi and only 30 second reports of proceedings, the words ‘horrific defending’ angered me. After deciding at 3-0 to take a walk, it became apparent in my mind that City have major issues defensively. I’ve locked the result in a box in the darkest embers of my mind ever since, but I’m opening the Pandora’s Box in search of therapy.
First and foremost, to be annihilated 4-0 to a team who finished 6th in League One last campaign simply wasn’t good enough. What’s more angering was the manor of the goals conceded. I’ve seen better defensive performances on the grassless pitches of Eaton Park on a Sunday morning. In order to be successful at any level of football, be that Sunday League or Premier League, there has to be a robust solidarity in your sides back line.
Are you strong or hungry enough? Do you have defenders who would rather die than lose? At the moment Norwich have defenders who are learning, admittedly, but not quickly enough. There are no offensive, aggressive defenders willing to put their foot where it hurts. It seems to be a mentality issue.
To be analytical, Norwich’s centre backs are too far apart in regards of positioning; they seem to be defending in different counties. One goal against The Lions was a long ball to the experienced Steve Morison and Lee Gregory was unmarked and in acres of space in the Canaries penalty area. If Martin was closer to Franke, and not ball watching, that simply would not have happened.
Marcel Franke, at 6ft 4, has the physical presence to succeed in this division. He has the traits to be commanding but thus far has failed to show any signs that this combativeness and dominance is consistent, or in fact, there at all. Sluggish. I still believe he can come good but he has it all to prove.
As for his partner at the Den, sadly Russ has been the common denominator for several years of an underperforming City back line. City managers have made Martin club captain, but if his leadership is an outstanding quality of his, then why do Norwich’s defence look so devoid of it? Martin looks slow, gets outmuscled too easily and is all of often guilty of ball-watching.
Even as a right back, the position he made his own following his move to Norfolk, he looks inept. Martin now has the mentality of a centre back at right back. He sits off where he used to press tight. Quite simply, Martin is surplus to requirements and not good enough for this side. That’s not singling Russ out, it’s sadly, in my opinion, the truth. The fact he is a wonderful man, who loves the club makes that harder to write.
Despite showing early signs that he could be a coup, Christoph Zimmermann has looked overawed by the prospect of playing in grounds like Villa Park, and whilst the step up is high, he is yet to make it. Why is his jump any different to that of Sean Raggett’s? Selfies and fan interactions are appreciated Christoph, but play well and you’ll be remembered. Simple.
The whole of Norwich’s back four is fragmented; the transitional side of the game is slow and sluggish. Norwich are so exposed and riddled with gaps and offensive opportunities when opponents hit Norwich on the break. It’s not compact, or robust, it’s soft and embarrassing. Norwich fans were promised a coach who knew how to set up teams to defend. Thus far, that’s been far from the truth.
Grant Hanley has been purchased from Newcastle, and whilst that looks to be a missing piece of the jigsaw, it is only one piece of the jigsaw. The remainder of the back four will still contain players who have underperformed and leaked more goals than a broken tap. Hanley is dominating and commanding.
Could we see a change of approach from Farke?
I’ve banged the patience drum more than anyone this summer, and I’m still prepared to support Webber and Farke, but the simple fact is this: if Norwich can’t repair a broken and fragmented back line, this season will be a relegation struggle. But I’m sure they will.
After the positivity of pre-season, a part of me wishes a setback would have been had in the summer practice matches. It’s all very well having possession for possessions sake, but you must have something to differentiate you in the final third, be it a burst of pace, intricate passes or a brilliant cross, but Norwich are one dimensional, static and inept of ideas.
Whatever statistics you want to compare Norwich too, be it Fulham, Huddersfield, Wagner or the fact the five sides with the highest possession all finished in the top six last year, the simple fact is that’s not Norwich. The games Norwich have picked up points from – QPR and Fulham – have both been games where Norwich have seen less of the ball than their opponents.
What if Norwich have signed bang average players? What if Farke isn’t the man we all thought he could be? How long do you preach about patience after a 4-0 loss to a newly promoted side? These questions float around my mind more and more.
I don’t want to hammer the new players. Or appear impatient or demanding of success. Teething problems were expected, but these are not cracks of a new era, they are major flaws of a mass reconstruction. I always try to take a subjective view, and I’m not demanding success, or being pessimistic or calling for Farke to be sacked, just for improvement; some evidence that the players are carrying out the philosophy or are at least good enough to carry it out.
I’m still optimistic. I still believe it’ll click, but as fans, we need to see a sign of improvement, not a cycle of continued regression.
Conner,
You weren’t at Millwall. Russ was the 4th worst defender on that day, but hey, thanks for the Martin Bashing treatment.
My opinion, but “the truth”.
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Tommy,
You’re right, I wasn’t. But I have read/watched enough to suggest he was as poor as the others.
I’ve actually taken into account the season thus far, it’s my opinion of Russ over a three year period, not off the basis of one match.
Believe it or not, I’m Russ’ biggest fan, the bloke is a credit to the football club and to a man, you won’t meet anyone better in football.
But that doesn’t make him immune for criticism. I’ve not got personal, it’s my opinion of a great servant. You’re entitled to yours too mate.
Thank you for reading!
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Tommy
I was at Millwall. Russ was by far the worst defender on the day but thanks for the Conner bashing treatment.
My opinion, but “the truth”.
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Connor: a fine piece of writing and good general points, with a couple of small quibbles.
As Tommy says, Russ was not our worst defender at Millwall (it’s not saying much, but it should be said). And check the Fulham stats: we actually had the majority of possession that day.
Minor points against an enjoyable read, though. Cheers
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Hi Stewart,
Apologies over the Fulham stat, you’re completely right, although in my defence there wasn’t a lot in it?
I didn’t claim Russ was the worst defender at Millwall, and it wasn’t an attack on him by any stretch, I’m Russ’ biggest fan, it was merely a comment on his football ability.
Thank you for your kind words and I hope I’ve addressed your comments.
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Absolutely – and point taken about your comments on Russ.
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You’re right, Martin wasn’t the worst defender on the day…because he wasn’t defending.
I’m not sure if any of you lot have ever played football (I really do wonder), but when a CB separates from their partner on multiple occasions (which he did and he is supposedly experienced and an international) then they will very likely suffer the well deserved grief because it is below school boy tactics being ignored.
You do not remove your captain and CB from the field unless there is serious concern with his tactics.
This has to be the oddest topic of discussion within NCFC for some time. I can only assume Fernando Derveld was an absolutely horrid individual, because he was an equally horrifying defender and he never got supported by the ‘loving’ NCFC fans in this way.
I am sick of people having to support their factually based argument that Martin is unfit for purpose with, “he’s a thoroughly nice chap”. What on earth does that have to do with football? Why does someone feel so pressured they have to offer such a statement along with a simple opinion? I certainly wouldn’t.
It’s highly interesting to watch people get so much grief for questioning Martin from those purporting to be quashing negativity by offering Martin support. I know who the truly fastidious ones are.
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Good piece, I wasn’t at the New Den either, respect to those who travel to every away game. But the Martin bashing seems to be popular, at least you have handled it in a better way. But when fans become professional managers I will listen with the respect, that is every manager has played Russ Martin since and including Paul Lambert, he had been dropped and worked his way back into the team on many occasions. Fans are fickle, very good at making players appear world beaters ie Dutch left back who was at best average, Irish striker who wasn’t even playing and had hardly scored when he did have a run. Dare I mention current hero; Ivo, not one of the great defenders, spends lot of time on the grass, but dare anyone speak against the crowds annointed . Some players have received the wrath before but none have served the club so long and so well, a certain scotsman springs to mind famous for one kick. Try the striker who scored for fun until he got a contract, I had been better playing in the local parks, did he get the treatment ? No , he was his own worse enemy the odd never went in his favour. Or we can have the Aussie keeper who would not have made a non league side there are many more we can recall but all gone and many forgotten about. My point. Russ Martin does not deserve the abuse he generates, nor does any City player
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Agree mate, I was merely questioning his football ability, as I did Franke, Zimmermann also.
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While every manager since lambert has played Russ, every manager since Lambert has had a leaky defense.
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Connor, in your penultimate paragraph, you used the word ‘subjective’? Surely ‘objective’ is more appropriate – no?
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You’d be correct, my apologies.
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First of all, cracking article. Second of all; to all addressing his comments on Russell Martin, name me one performance in the last 2/3 seasons where he has actually been above average. On a good day for Russ he will be a bang average defender. On every other day he’s a Centre-back who lacks the ability to jump and sits off his man to the point where it’s pathetic to watch. Yes he’s a lovely man and has served us well. Yes he is a great talker and pulls no punches. But do you know who else was a great ‘taller’ and pulled no punches? Alex Neil. And look at him, he achieved my favourite ever Norwich memory and I will love him as a person forever. But like Russ he is simply not good enough at his job, for us anyway.
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Need to find the right pairing and you suspect that it could well be Hanley and Klose. If you are playing three at the back then Zimmermann with them. He has looked a beast at times but needs consistency. I think with Hanley and Klose, his game will be raised. Not sure we have time to bed Franke in and Martin is not quite where he was five or six years ago. Villas first goal the other week was the worst defending i’ve ever seen on television. The low ball across goal that was right near to him and a player running in behind. He didn’t look around him once, just kept staring at the ball for what seemed like an age, then let it go inches past his foot for Hourihane to tap in. It was unbelievably bad and can’t really be defended in my opinion. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying we could possibly look at another player as captain, but not Hoolahan in my opinion. I always thought that the captaincy is best in the hands of a big commanding, vocal defender, or a midfield powerhouse. There are exceptions of course but i think Hanley would make a good captain. Of course its not just defenders to blame. We haven’t had a midfield presence so far. Their movement in an attempt to keep possession and find gaps is drawing players into all sorts of positions and when we lose the ball, which will inevitably happen several times in a game, the opposition has a clear midfield to break through at pace. Tactical work on individual players positioning in and out of possession will be the key to turning this around. Just my humble opinion anyway.
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You make a few good points here. Connor appears to have missed the importance of the midfield.
Having played at the back, I can tell that it’s impossible to defend when your midfield is MIA (Missing In Action). Looking at both Villa and Millwall, that is exactly what has happened for the majority of goals conceded. Our defence is getting stretched all over place because they have no support. You defend from the front, not just your back four or three.
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Possibly, although decided to speak about the defence on this occasion. Agree the midfield plays a huge part of the defensive shape and agree they’ve been missing a lot thus far.
Your points on the midfield are brilliantly perceptive and thought out mate, Thanks for those.
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Try reading the “alongcomenorwich russ-abuse-bangwagon” article.
Nukes your opinion out of the ocean mate.
As for a “relegation” struggle, get real. We’re more than capable of winning games 3-2, 4-3, 5-4 even if our back 4 don’t improve. “still believe it’ll click” . . . . can you be any more contradicting.
Bottom 3 we ain’t. Nowhere near. Webbo would NOT let that happen in Jan.
BTW it’s September and you’re using “Farke” and “sacked” in the same sentence. Leave it out. Farke’s here for at least 2 seasons. Stone and Smith have told me that face to face.
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Where have I jumped on any bandwagon?
All I did was give my opinion on Russ, like I did Franke and Zimmermann.
I said if we continue to the leak goals at the current rate, then we will undoubtedly find ourselves in a struggle, that’s a fact. I merely said I think the side will improve with time. There’s nothing contradicting about that. Merely a statement, followed by my opinion.
I agree we aren’t relegation fodder, it was a statement about the goals conceded Tommy.
I’m saying he shouldn’t be sacked, others have been very different and wanted his dismissal, flick through social media and you’ll find people calling for his head.
Finally, not sure it does ‘nuke my opinion out of the water’, as I agree with everything written in the article. Why can’t I analyse Russ in the same way I have Franke or Zimmermann?
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I believe Delia also said Neil would be here for 10.
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Connor there is a lot of Russ bashing going on as usual but the guys are right he was just one of many who failed to turn up. It is sad that someone who has contributed so much is, by his very presence in the team, diminishing his legacy. Ivo is great going forward as is Husband but neither fill me with confidence as defenders. Give the club credit where due they have pushed the boat out (by current standards) to get Hanley in and hopefully this is a sign of lessons learned. A bit more grit in midfield would help and maybe Millwall will be a turning point who knows. Patience, Patience. ……………….Patience etc etc.
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No, I don’t accept I’ve bashed Russ at all. Merely commented on his ability as a footballer, like I have done with Franke and Zimmermann.
Agree with all your other points mate.
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I wasn’t accusing you of that just saying too many people are doing so. It would have been better if he had left in the summer really.
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While I agree with most of what you said, Husband has definitely not been good going forward. Not on current viewing anyway. As an optimist, I’m hoping he will improve, once settled.
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Agreed, although, to Husband’s defence (didn’t think I’d type that) I think the full backs have been programmed to be more balanced than the marauding wing backs we saw last campaign.
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I feel like I need to address some issues with my comments on Russell Martin in the above article.
Firstly, my opinion towards Russ’ football is merely that, an opinion. I don’t hold any vendetta towards Martin and as a human being I think he is absolutely wonderful and we are very fortunate to have such a person representing and captaining our club.
Secondly, I also criticise Marcel Franke and Christoph Zimmermann under the same microscope, so it’s not me singling anybody out or making anybody immune from criticism. I also feel we must accept that Russ can be criticised, whilst not on the spectrum of some who were booing him at Millwall, but in regards of his performances on the pitch, as can the aforementioned players.
Also, I never claimed Martin to worse than anybody at Millwall. It would be unfair for me to do so considering I wasn’t one of the brave souls who travelled to the Den, but you can quite often find me amongst the travelling contingency of Norwich supporters. I’m judging Martin over a three year period. I accept he wasn’t the worse at the New Den.
Furthermore, I have spoken to and about Russ to people who know him a hell of lot more than myself, and all have nothing but praise and positivity of his character. When he does leave his club, he will be remembered, quite rightly, as a club legend and no doubt we will see him at the club in some capacity (potentially in the dugout) when he does retire.
I love the bloke, and will support him everytime he puts on a yellow and green shirt, but that doesn’t make him immune from criticism, nor does it mean he’s being singled out. I’m completely objective, and as a human being, you won’t find many better than Russ.
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Just how is “Martin surplus to requirements and not good enough for this side”?
Yet you claim you’ve criticised Franke and Zimmerman (and compared him to Raggett who has only just made his first appearance outside of non-league). This IS a vendetta against Russ. You can’t deny that. Re-read the article and try to focus on the positives, quite difficult when you can’t find too many. This isn’t a balanced article.
BTW are Arsenal or Barcelona one dimensional. Yes is the answer. The system was developed over time. Just as Farke is doing right now.
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Because I don’t believe he is as first choice in either centre or right back, and I think you’d agree with me. Second choice right back, and probably third (at best) choice centre back.
I compared the step up Zimmermann has made with the step up Raggett will make, just asked how it’s different. I’ve not compared the two players at all.
I wrote the article, there is no vendetta intended, and if you’ve taken it that way then I sincerely apologise, however, from my part, I stand by the comments I’ve made and disagree that there is any agenda or vendetta. I’m completely objective.
No, they aren’t. Because Arsenal and Barcelona have individual pieces of quality in the final third which we haven’t yet seen from Norwich (or at least, very rarely). I agree it’ll come.
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In Arsenals case that’s why they can’t win the English premier league. Like us they lack a good solid spine.
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Tommy, give it a rest mmmm?
I have re-read Connor’s article, a couple of times, I don’t see a ‘hatchet job’ there. Methinks you’re reading between the lines – your emotion is palpable.
He has subsequently addressed his supposed Russell Martin bashing, in an unequivocal manner. So?
As RM is in the Scottish squad, and boasts nearly thirty caps (Strachan obviously rates him?) he can’t be that bad. Everyone has a bad day. When the whole team performs peerlessly, and he alone lets the side down, THEN, and only then, sharpen the knives.
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Thank you Nick. Glad you understand my stance and thank you for your kind words. I appreciate them so much.
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I’ve also read your article a few times at this point Connor, and also want to say that I liked it and think you’ve done as good a job as you could in the circumstances to present a balanced argument, something you’ve certainly emphasised again in your comments subsequently. So I agree a great deal with Nick N’s point above, and also wanted to say congratulations too Connor for addressing a very current and clearly emotional issue in as balanced way as you could whilst still setting out your own position clearly too.
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That’s very kind of you Michael, and thank you so much for your lovely words. They are really appreciated.
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Keep it up Connor good post you can’t please every body all the time , looked well balanced in my view of course , when you mention Martin , who as said has been a fantastic servant for this club , but because of injuries this season he’s been hung out to dry , where maybe he would have been benched at best shame some people can be a bit sensitive,and read into something you never said , maybe they should be venting their anger at the boo boys
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Balanced my back side. It’s clearly a pop at Martin, as is the current social media trend.
Do not agree with this young journo. Sorry.
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