Ashley Barnes has been signed to fill the void left by Teemu Pukki’s departure from Norwich this summer Norwich City head coach David Wagner is “delighted” to have Ashley Barnes back after a two-month break as his injury problems begin to ease.
“We’re excited to have him back – he’s been training all week with no issues.”The defeat against Leicester marked a downturn in Norwich’s fortunes after a good start to the season, as they won just one of their next eight games and lost six.
A 3-2 victory at Cardiff City before the international break eased the pressure on Wagner, who is still adjusting to the presence of new sporting director Josh Knapper, who replaced Stuart Webber on November 13.
With Barnes expected to return home to QPR on Saturday, Wagner hopes to have several other players back before the Christmas program.
“It looks like Adam Forshaw and Gunny (Angus) will be back in training next week, Grant Hanley in two weeks and if all goes to plan, Josh (Sargent) and Ben Gibson in around three weeks,” he said.
German said.“We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, even if we will have to wait a few more weeks. » “Every team in the world will have to solve problems when five or six starters, senior players, are out for the same amount of time as in our case.
“Norwich are sixteenth in the Championship, but have only six points to make up against Sunderland, who currently occupy the final play-off place. Former Huddersfield manager Wagner admitted he is grateful for the support he has received from the club in recent weeks.
“This is something every manager wants, support in difficult times and difficult situations, and that’s exactly what I felt,” he said.”It’s the players who win matches, not the coach.
From my point of view, every coach thinks he can win matches, he thinks he’s too important, but I’m not like that.”Upon arriving at Carrow Road, Knapper added: “He has been in virtually every (training) session. We had a few conversations, both informally and during regular meetings.
“I haven’t worked with him long enough to see the differences (with Stuart Webber) – I can see the similarities.”“It’s important for him to stay on top of things and we should give him time.
I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know all the names (at the club), I’m not sure I know all the names now, after 10 months. »
