Rough, tough Norwich City tag is music to Daniel Farke’s ears

Norwich City chief Daniel Farke is out to prolong Reading’s Championship play-off final hangover.

Royals’ boss Jaap Stam highlighted the Canaries’ ‘physical’ prowess ahead of Saturday’s tussle, and Farke wants to see that steely edge from his rapidly-improving squad.

“It is a sign of our big improvement because, early doors, many teams would not say we were a physically tough team, so in that area we have developed,” he said. “It is always good to hear that. When you win games and have success it is good for the reputation and the respect of the opponent. If Norwich play, the opponents are always awake because they know we are a massive club with our own expectations. It is a good sign if the opponents are full of respect.

“Reading is struggling right now and not full of self-confidence but on the other hand, in terms of potential, they are one of the best teams in the league. I like their philosophy, they like to keep possession and they have many quality players. They signed a guy like (Sone) Aluko from a competitor for a lot of money so they have high individual quality. If they are focused and are able to bring their best, they will be very tough to beat. It’s one of the toughest places to go, although they are not in a good condition.

“It’s the last game before the international break so we want to go into that with a win. It will be a big task but a great challenge for us. We want a perfect finish to this month. We know we can get points wherever we go.”

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Staam’s side is falling well short of pre-season expectations, after failing to push on from Wembley heartache, and suffered a late defeat in midweek at Millwall.

“It can be tough because it is still maybe in your head a little bit,” said Farke. “When you play such a good season and it goes further on and then you get in the play-offs and make some signings perhaps at the beginning of the new season you are not so concentrated, and you have a bad result or two which is not good for the confidence. Then maybe some bad luck. It is tough to come out of that situation. They will be awake after the last result and with a big will to improve their situation.

“Stam is a very experienced coach and he was a brilliant player. I expect them to be in a much better position at the end of the season. We know we will be facing a really good opponent.”

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