Norwich City boss Daniel Farke has spoken of the importance of sticking to your principles as a head coach, even after reaching the Premier League.
In a wide-ranging interview with Sky Sports that included the German describing his favourite part of being a head coach, naming who his best friend in football is and how he wants to be remembered at City, Farke expressed his commitment to retaining his philosophy regardless of the level of opponent.
The City chief has been forced to adapt in the top-flight after a barren run in the league saw the Canaries drop to the bottom of the division but an adept away performance at Goodison Park has seen the mood lift in NR1.
Farke has been lauded for bringing a progressive style of football to Carrow Road but is also keen to continue to evolve in order to prevent being left behind.
"I think it's important to learn each and every day as a coach. Even when you have reached a different level, you can't think 'okay, I know everything about football and I'm a genius already' because once you stop to develop or to improve, then you become a dinosaur in this business.
"I think it's important to be brave when you play football and to not park the bus or put the ball into the stands. When you play football, you have to do it on the front foot with a smile on your face, that's why we all started to play football. We didn't start to play because we wanted to park the bus and pray for a result. You want to have fun on the pitch and beat the other team with a good performance."
City's entertaining style saw them lift the Championship trophy at Villa Park in May and Farke insists that promotion to the Premier League does change people but is adamant that retaining the modesty in the dressing room is the key to future success for City.
"You become a different person when you work on this level, that is quite normal. You have to stick to your values and remain modest enough to know it's just a period when the attention is on you", Farke said.
"I think honesty is important to be honest. Players want you to be honest and sometimes you have to be a bit strict. I also don't like vanity in the dressing room, so honesty is quite important."
Farke previously worked with Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel during his time at Borussia Dortmund, with their footballing philosophies being closely aligned. Upon taking the City job, Farke described his style of play as resembling that of Tuchel's teams.
For the City boss, the devil is in the detail, especially given the small margin of quality that is capable of deciding a match at this level. Farke is meticulous in his preparation and it's an area that he prides himself on.
"I like to work on the details and the tactical approach. I really like to work on the small things in football because my feeling is that games are decided on small things. That is why it's important to work on the contents.
"In general, it's important not to be addicted to the views of the public. You have to be content when you look in the mirror."
If the German was capable of producing more success in Norfolk, then the fans opinion of him would raise further. However, Farke just wants to be remembered for doing a steady job.
"The most important thing is the people who work with me, or even for me, can say that 'he was a great guy and it was a pleasure to have been able to spend some time with him'.
"I will be pleased if Norwich fans, after my time here, will say 'he was definitely alright and has done a decent job'. For that, I would be totally happy."
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