Christoph Zimmermann’s Championship debut at Fulham was harder than he dared expect – but it also renewed everyone’s confidence in what Norwich City are looking to achieve this season under Daniel Farke.
The Canaries were behind from the 25th minute at Craven Cottage in their EFL kick-off, after Russell Martin’s unfortunate own goal – before substitute Nelson Oliveira popped up with an equaliser two minutes from time following Wes Hoolahan’s exquisite pass.
Centre-back Zimmermann made his competitive debut for City, following his summer arrival as a free agent – following the same journey as new head coach Daniel Farke – from Borussia Dortmund II to Carrow Road.
“It was as hard as I expected it, or maybe even harder,” admitted Zimmermann. “We have to say Fulham have great quality in their squad, great offensive players who really caused some problems for our defence but also in the building up and midfield. Great tactical players.
MORE: Christoph Zimmermann was our Player Watch against Fulham – see how he did here
“In possession in the first half, they were unbelievably good. So it was by far the hardest game for me.”
He added: “Of course it was emotional. For the whole team and especially for me as well, playing at Fulham – an unbelievable club and a great team, being down by one goal for such a long time, and then equalising in the 88th minute I think (sighs).
“For the first game, after some setbacks and a really hard and long pre-season, it was really some reward for the first six weeks we’ve worked together and I think it was obvious to everybody what a great and positive effect that goal had – not just on the players in the squad, but also on the supporters.
“It gives us confidence. It still doesn’t feel like a victory, because that feels like the best you can get and a draw is something different.
“But of course, you feel better when you equalise in the last minute than if you are leading for a long time and lose an equaliser in the last minute against you. So for that reason, of course we leave here with a good felling and with confidence.”
• For the latest Norwich City news and opinion follow Michael Bailey on Twitter @michaeljbailey, Facebook @mbjourno and Instagram @mrmichaeljbailey
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