Opinion
David Freezer: Verbal sparring with TalkSport suggests City will be underestimated yet again
Our chief Norwich City reporter David Freezer was interviewed on TalkSport ahead of Norwich City's friendly win at Luton Town Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Saturday’s friendly at Luton kicked off a little early for me, with an appearance on TalkSport which soon sharpened my pre-season senses – as serious doubt was shown for Norwich City’s top-flight hopes.
"I can't see Norwich City fans being happy with what David is suggesting," was the closing line I didn't hear as I hung up and happily got on with my job at Kenilworth Road.
Once that had been pointed out to me, I thought I'd find out if I had given an unfair reflection on how the Canaries were shaping up for the Premier League, so I took to Twitter.
I'm not the biggest fan of TalkSport but some of their presenters are very good at their jobs, so I can handle their confrontational style in short bursts, knowing it will wind me up.
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However, I was perfectly happy to feature as a guest over the phone on Saturday Scoreboard with Russ Williams and Darren Lewis, knowing they both generally talk seriously about football matters. You can't moan about a radio station if you pass up the opportunity to voice your opinions on one of their shows.
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While some may suggest TalkSport is only focussed on the big Premier League clubs, by having me on their show, they were showing a willing to learn about the promoted teams. That deserves praise - and they also provide plenty of EFL coverage as well, so I'm not looking to join in with the regular online TalkSport bashing.
Yet as I explained why Norwich haven't been splashing the cash since promotion - and aren't able to as a self-funded club - my explanations of the situation at Carrow Road were met with surprise.
The realism that survival in the Premier League will be tough, that Teemu Pukki won't score 30 goals again, that keeping together a squad which had achieved something so remarkable, was seemingly not enough. The word 'defeatist' was soon bouncing back at me.
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It was an enjoyable exchange, and the line of questioning was tough but fair, but it just showed that once again City will again be underestimated outside Norfolk, by the national media and, hopefully opposition clubs.
Williams summed up: "It's like a boxer, taking on the big fight, agreeing it, knowing they're going to get their share of the purse and then turning up for their ring walk and thinking 'I've got no chance here, I'm going to lose'. One man's realism is another man's defeatism."
And that Twitter reaction? As I expected: City fans mostly have faith in Stuart Webber and Daniel Farke, they'll prove the doubters wrong again.
- There's a link to the clip below and some of the reaction from City fans
