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‘I had a really bad time’ - Luciano Becchio reflects on Norwich City spell
Luciano Becchio has been reflecting on his spell with Norwich City. Picture: Richard Calver/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Richard Calver/Focus Images Ltd
Luciano Becchio has described how he was left deflated by his spell with Norwich City, admitting it made him question his love for the game.
The Argentine joined the Canaries from Leeds United in January 2013 in a deal that saw then City forward Steve Morison move in the opposite direction, but Becchio struggled for game time at Carrow Road.
The 36-year-old has now retired from professional football and has ventured into coaching. He is currently assistant manager of Spanish second division side Atletico Baleares.
Becchio describes his stint in Norfolk as being a ‘really hard time’ for him personally. The striker failed to register a single goal for City during his three year spell at the club.
“There was a real offer from Turkey. Then, at the last moment, Norwich appeared,” Becchio explained.
Becchio failed to become a first-team regular under Chris Hughton. Picture: Archant - Credit: Archant
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“I went several times to meet with Leeds and tried to stay. I did my best but I saw no effort. I called (Neil) Warnock to meet him and see what could be done. We met but I didn’t get much of a response from him.
“I honestly don’t know if it was the coach’s wish for me to leave or if the club wanted to cash in on me. In the end, my family and I made a super-difficult decision.”
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Becchio signed for the Canaries with the aim of injecting a fresh attacking impetus into City’s frontline, but beyond a handful of first-team appearances, Becchio never became a first-choice option under Chris Hughton.
“They never gave me an opportunity there and they never gave me the confidence a player needs. It was the complete opposite of Leeds,” Becchio told the Athletic.
Luciano Becchio admitted earlier this week his spell was Norwich City was 'really hard'. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
“I never understood why that happened when the coach [Chris Hughton] was so insistent about me signing. I always kept working hard waiting for my opportunity. It never came.
“It was like going from touching the sky with your hands at Leeds to the opposite extreme. It was very tough.
“The worst moment was when we went down to the Championship [in 2014]. That year I wasn’t called upon at all and on many occasions they made me train with the under-21s. Mentally it kills you. I was sunk. I had a really bad time.”
