Norwich City is the ‘team of the moment’ and Daniel Farke is nailed on for September’s Championship manager of the month.


Farke’s battlers eased to a 2-1 win at Reading to go into the international break unbeaten in seven after a fourth consecutive away win in all competitions, through to the last 16 of the League Cup, and ready to kick on.

“No, it doesn’t surprise me because I always trust my lads and I always believe in them and what we are doing in the dressing room, on the training pitch and in the games,” he said. “I was totally convinced that we were able to have a really successful season but on the other hand it is really remarkable to have such a reaction after struggling at the beginning. Right now we are the team of the moment, an unbelievable points average in the month of September, and the cup as well.

It is because the lads want to work hard each and every day and because they are there with this working attitude and togetherness. When you bring this all together you are able to reach some extraordinary results and things in football.

“Although we were not able to spend so much money in the summer and we had to earn some transfer fees I told the lads we are able to have successes during the season and that is the case during the last few weeks. It is useful now to have a short break. Hopefully some of the boys out can come back from injury and the ones who have played can get some rest. After the break we will be as hungry as before.”

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James Maddison is rapidly becoming the poster boy for Norwich’s impressive revival after his sublime free kick set City on the way at Reading.

“Quality means that you perform over the long term. Not in one game or not one week and two games. Quality defines itself through regular performance,” said Farke. “To be fair he has done that in the last few weeks. It was a brilliant performance but all in all the lads were in such a good shape and showed a big togetherness and a wonderful attitude, because we have to do without so many important players at the moment in forward areas. Yet we are able to have good results, clean sheets and score goals.”

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Norwich had to survive the last few moments with only 10 players after Marley Watkins’ red card.

“The ref told me it was a hard foul,” said Farke. “From my point of view he was in the box, lost the ball and tried to win it back with a tackle. To be honest I couldn’t judge watching the game if it was a red card, but there were some decisions before that I can’t explain.

“I am not about forcing a red card for an opponent but before that everyone in the stadium could see we should be the team with an extra man. He (Joey van Den Berg) made a tactical foul that should have been a second yellow. It was the 20th foul of this player.

“Some ridiculous decisions. To be honest I wouldn’t have mentioned that if we had drawn or lost because it sounds like excuses on my part but after a win I can mention it. There were some unbelievable decisions. The referee wants to do his best but in my opinion some of his decisions were totally wrong. We just accept this.”