Philippe Clement has vowed to stop Norwich City's poor start from becoming a prolonged slump. The manager's declaration follows a 4-3 defeat to Bolton that leaves the club 17th in the Championship with nine points from eight games.
Clement, who took charge last November and steered the club away from relegation danger, is facing a fresh challenge. His side have lost five of their opening eight league matches, conceding 17 goals in the process. The recent 3-4 home loss to Bolton, which came after goals from Mohamed Toure, Ruairi McConville and Jack Stacey, was a particular frustration.
Learning from defeat
"I will not allow them to go to that again, and (Bolton) reminded me of that in some moments," Clement said, referencing the team's previous struggles. "The moments that we concede goals." He described a dressing room of young players who are learning to react together under pressure. While acknowledging the shared frustration among fans and players, the manager insisted there is no deeper problem within the squad.
"We need to take the good conclusions about this game and this period, to stay calm in the heads and to be emotionally more in control when things don't go our way, and just to keep focused on what we have to do," he added. Clement confirmed that, with the transfer window closed, the personnel available to him will not change until January, placing the onus on coaching and collective improvement.
The immediate focus turns to a tough trip to face league leaders Swansea on October 10th. Norwich will also be without the injured Ali Ahmed for that match, with current squad availability detailed on our injuries page. Top scorer Mohamed Toure, with five goals this season, will be a key figure as Clement looks to spark a turnaround and close the eight-point gap to the top of the table.
Further reading: pinkun.com
The EFL confirmed the details of Norwich's 3-4 defeat to Bolton on September 20. The league body stated that substitute Atsuki Ito scored the decisive goal with his first touch, collecting a long goal-kick to finish expertly. The Japanese midfielder's 72nd-minute strike, assisted by Samuel Iling, was his first in English football. Norwich's goals came from Mohamed Toure, Ruairi McConville and Jack Stacey. The result leaves the club 17th in the Championship with nine points from eight games. Watch for the response away to Swansea on October 10th.
Philippe Clement has confirmed a major injury blow. Top scorer Mohamed Toure, who opened the scoring in the 3-4 loss to Bolton, will be out for "months" with a shoulder injury requiring surgery. The manager told reporters it was a "bad one". Captain Kenny McLean and Ben Chrisene also face weeks out. The Canaries, who have lost their last three matches, must now regroup without their key forward, who has five goals this season.
