Worries about the early stages of life under Daniel Farke have eased significantly after the German unveiled a ruthless side of his personality.

Conceding four goals in successive games ahead of the international break had truly set alarm bells ringing, as it was the first time a Canaries side had managed the unenviable feat in over 18 years.

Aided by the return to fitness of Switzerland international Timm Klose, the City boss ripped up his plans and started again – to make yesterday’s clash with Birmingham feel like a fresh start to the season.

Out went skipper Russell Martin and Marcel Franke, dropped from the squad altogether as Klose and Christoph Zimmermann were installed in the centre of defence and performed with the determined attitude Farke had demanded ahead of the game.

The captain’s armband went to Ivo Pinto, one of the most popular players in the squad, and James Husband was dropped to the bench with Marco Stiepermann preferred at left-back.

The biggest changes were the combatant Alex Tettey and Tom Trybull being brought in as a defensive midfield duo, where previously Harrison Reed had been battling on his own.

Player watch: Tom Trybull brings ballast and bite to Norwich City’s midfield in vital 1-0 win over Birmingham

The Southampton loanee undoubtedly has a big part to play still and may well return against Burton on Tuesday night, given Tettey’s knees need to be managed, but Farke acknowledging the need to get back to basics was an integral part of that Millwall nightmare being banished to the history books.

Going forward there was little need for changes, with Josh Murphy and Nelson Oliveira continuing to look dangerous, James Maddison getting better all the time and Mario Vrancic improving as he adjusts to the English game.

It meant that Martin, Franke, Steven Naismith and Marley Watkins all missed out on this occasion, with Wes Hoolahan and the fit-again Cameron Jerome able to store some energy on the bench.

New signing Grant Hanley wasn’t even needed until a very late cameo, as options all of a sudden appear thanks to the most timely of 1-0 victories.

More: Norwich City 1 Birmingham City 0 quotes – Daniel Farke hails mean Canaries

Before the game Farke had called for supporters to “stand together” with the team and that’s just what he got, welcomed to the pitch by a rendition of ‘Farke Life’ and roared across the finishing line as fans sensed some late nerves.

If that intensity can be continued against Burton under the floodlights at Carrow Road on Tuesday, who lost 5-0 at Leeds on Saturday, then the new regime can really start to build some confidence.

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