Daniel Farke is facing the ‘most difficult task’ of his Norwich City spell – and that is before you get to a transfer sideshow.

The City head coach went public with his frustrations at the endless speculation and the negative effect on some of his players after the 1-0 Championship defeat at Bournemouth.

Todd Cantwell and Emi Buendia were left out for what Farke labelled a lack of focus and an unacceptable approach in training.

Norwich have no bids for either player on the table, despite Cantwell being linked with a £15m exit to Premier League new boys Leeds. But add in Barcelona’s failed pursuit of Max Aarons and fresh rumours on Monday touting Ben Godfrey with Fulham and Everton and Farke is counting the days until the transfer window is shut.

Farke’s bid to get the Canaries off to a positive start following relegation is being undermined by endless chat on the futures of his best prospects.

“I would label this task right now as the most complicated since I first came to Norwich,” he said. “This is a crucial year for this club and even more important after suffering relegation we come back strong, stick to our values, and we try to work with a different group. That motivates me. My motivation is unbelievably high.

“But it is a tricky period I will be really honest. You can’t simply choose a line up on the potential of a player, you also have to keep in mind sometimes they are not 100pc focused because of all the rumours.”

Farke had warned City fans it could be a bumpy ride prior to the Cherries’ loss until the transfer window closes.

That remains the case ahead of Derby County’s weekend visit to Carrow Road, with the Norwich head coach challenging both Cantwell and Buendia to deliver their response on the training pitch.

“I don’t think this club owes any player something,” he said. “It is the other way around.

“These players owe a lot to the club. They have a responsibility to the yellow shirt. For all the players they need to remember how crucial the fans are and why it is down to them they lead such a privileged life.

“They buy the tickets, the shirts, pay for the broadcasts. For that you have a responsibility not to expect we are grateful you wear the yellow shirt.

“You have to work your socks off.”