NORWICH, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Norwich City Manager David Wagner during the Sky Bet Championship match between Norwich City and Sheffield United at Carrow Road on April 01, 2023 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Wagner takeaways: Canaries’ chief on Stoke,Fassnacht  praise and Nunez injury update
Norwich City boss David Wagner had his say on the key topics after the Canaries’ 1-0 Championship win against Stoke City.
Jack Stacey’s cool first half finished sealed the victory over Alex Neil’s side and made it six wins from the Canaries’ opening eight games in all competitions.
Wagner spoke to the media on Saturday afternoon at Carrow Road.
The City chief gave his Potters’ verdict, revealed his frustration at a sloppy final five minutes, hailed Christian Fassnacht’s best display since his summer move and provided a firm fitness update on the injured Marcelino Nunez.
REACTION | Wagner pleased with ‘fighting spirit’
David Wagner was pleased with the performance of his side as they defeated Stoke City 1-0 at Carrow Road.
While the head coach expressed that the football in the first half in particular was pleasing, it was the togetherness of the squad that stood out after the break.
“Especially second half, the guys really had to dig in,” he said.
“The work load, the shift that they’ve shown, the fighting spirit was just outstanding. Obviously, we had help from the stands, the energy and the support from them got this result over the line.
“First half, from my point of view, we were outstanding, we played unbelievable football, all of our patterns. We defended very, very solid as well. Unfortunately we didn’t score, the guys tried until the final seconds of the first half.”
Wagner was also pleased to be back at home for the first time in a month, with three games played on the road and an international break since the 3-1 win against Millwall.
“We’ve had three games (at Carrow Road), good games, three wins, a first clean sheet at home which is important to have as well. We have asked ourselves to show we are better than we were at Rotherham in the first half, especially defensively.
“Our full-backs start to score as well now which is always nice to have. A clean sheet when needed too, so I’m over the moon about the result today. In particular the first half performance and the second half togetherness and fighting spirit the players have shown.
“We are used to it, we had nine or 10 internationals away so we only had Thursday and Friday together. The boys are used to it as well, this is what happens if you have internationals in your squad. We love to have them because it shows that the players are doing a fantastic job to get the call up. Hopefully, it continues.”
Finally, he reserved special praise for Kenny McLean who signed a new contract on Friday evening.
“He was massive today. Kenny McLean was the standout player on the pitch. Every pass he picked was the right one, it was a
standout performance.
“I am delighted that he’s signed a new contract, that his short-, medium- and long-term future is here at this football club. It’s great to have him and he’s done a very good job today.”
