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Pukki power cut? Not for long, insists Farke
Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki is going through a lean spell Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Daniel Farke is adamant Norwich City hotshot Teemu Pukki will be back among the Premier League goals.
Pukki was well-shackled by Manchester United's rearguard in Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Carrow Road to extend his goalless run to five league games, after taking the top flight by storm with six in his first five outings at this level.
Head coach Farke is adamant the Canaries' reigning player-of-the-year is too good not to hit the goal trail again, despite recent struggles at the sharp end.
"He's not 18 years old and asking himself why he is not scoring. He knows sometimes there are a few games when you're not able to score," said Farke. "There is no problem with his confidence. He is in a good mood.
"He leads by example. My feeling is he had many big games for us and his national team in recent months where he has delivered special performances.
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"His movement is really good, he works so hard for the team and he scored twice when he was last on international duty.
"He looked very sharp at Bournemouth and was only denied by a world class save. Yes, he scored goals for fun in the beginning but it is also his importance to our combination play that is crucial."
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Norwich have mustered two late consolation strikes, against Aston Villa and Onel Hernandez's 88th minute finish against the Red Devils, since Pukki inspired a landmark win over Manchester City.
"Before Bournemouth it was more like we have to stop conceding goals but if you don't score then it is how can we get this going again? It's the everyday life of a coach," said Farke, speaking ahead of United's visit.
"We create many chances but it's not easy on this level. It is not like we can copy last season and score nearly 100 goals or whatever. I'm not concerned at all if I'm honest about our offensive play, because we create many chances, we have already many goals and Teemu is still in a good position in the scoring charts.
"It's always about finding a good balance in the Premier League, between being really solid and defending but also to provide a threat in the offence.
"We have to say it is difficult to cause a big surprise on a weekly basis. We could produce a sensation against Manchester City but it is not easy against the best teams in the world."