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PREVIEW: Devil is in the detail for Daniel
Moritz Leitner has had plenty of game time to catch Daniel Farke's eye during pre-season Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Amateur sleuths should be well advised Daniel Farke plans to keep a few things up his sleeve when it comes to Norwich City’s team for Saturday’s friendly finale against Toulouse at Carrow Road (KO 4pm).
Daniel Farke knows Norwich City must be better when they lose the ball Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Farke knows this is his last chance to experiment before the real business starts next week against Liverpool in the Premier League, and the head coach insists there is still time to impress.
City were over-powered by Champions League hopefuls Atalanta on Tuesday but Toulouse will present another set of problems, despite flirting with relegation from the French top division last season
"I expect a different style to Atalanta and their approach but a top-flight French club is a test," he said. "We have had plenty of them this summer and with that comes some lessons that we have had to learn. One this is for sure, pre-season is more or less over for us.
"We will not be giving all the players 45 minutes and looking at fitness.
Timm Klose will sit out Toulouse's visit to rest a hip problem Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
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"You might be able to interpret some things but to be honest if I was picking a team to face Liverpool it would be different. Some players need minutes and this will not be the exact same XI who play at Liverpool. It is not too far away, though, and those on the bench still have chances."
The Italians ruthlessly punished City on the counter in a potent second half at Carrow Road, and Farke wants his squad to sharpen up or risk being exposed in the Premier League.
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"We analysed the game and there was many positive things," he said. "I would say we were the better side over 70 minutes against a strong opponent. We did many things in the correct way in this period.
"We also have to speak about the lessons we must learn, where each and every small mistake is punished.
Grant Hanleyis back after a groin injury Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
"We have to be a bit more effective, in terms of scoring goals, to be switched on in the last 10 seconds of a half - because it is a small detail that can change the whole game against a top side. We made some unnecessary losses of the ball and that led to good counters from a quality side.
"The class and the touch from Bergamo was outstanding, so we have to defend this centre area much better.
"My feeling is we have players who can control the opponents' counters but you also have to realise losing the ball on the halfway line is still a very dangerous situation. You might have an easy pass but it is still important you make it.
"It is not like we won the title and had 94 points so we didn't need to improve. We must improve."
Mario Vrancic made a return to action in midweek following a calf injury Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
