The form is coming back to Josh Murphy – which is one of only a few positives from Norwich City’s difficult weekend at Aston Villa.
The Canaries got what they deserved after a torrid first half condemned them to a 4-2 defeat at Villa Park.
But Murphy’s personal performance – especially in the second half – offered glimpses of his top form, which could prove a real asset for Daniel Farke as autumn approaches.
“I feel fine now, yeah – it’s just about getting a run of games,” said Murphy. “I knew as soon as I got that I’d get my sharpness and I’d be fine, and whoever I play against I know I can get the better of them.
“So it’s just about finding that form, and I feel like I’m slowly getting it. But at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter how well I played, because we lost. That’s the only thing I care about. I’d rather play rubbish and we win 1-0. So you’ve just got to take it how it comes.”
Murphy admitted they were expecting a half-time rollicking but Farke kept things in perspective – and regardless of defeat, his squad is fully onside with the German’s plans for the Canaries’ football evolution.
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“I think everyone came into the dressing room thinking we’re going to get a right rocket here, but he was calm, quite reserved and he just got on with it,” added Murphy.
“He let us know his frustrations and what he wasn’t happy about, and he wanted a reaction. I think at the start of the second half, we gave that.
“So I think he’s doing everything well and the boys have got a lot of respect for him, which is good. Everyone wants to play under him, so it’s a good atmosphere and vibe at the moment, despite the result.
MORE: Josh Murphy’s verdict as Norwich City come unstuck at Aston Villa
“I’m enjoying it and I think everyone’s enjoying it. Everyone likes the ideas he’s bringing and it’s just about playing out how he wants. Everyone can see we’re having certain joys – obviously here we didn’t have that much joy, but I like working under him.
“I think he’s a great manager, and he’s helping me a lot. He’s helping me redefine my game and helping me play different positions like wing-back and playing in the pocket, playing as a striker.
“So I’m relishing the challenges he’s given me and I think all the boys are. It’s something new. A lot of us haven’t played in a 3-5-2 and stuff like that, so he’s building a team to be better players and everyone is learning day in, day out – I think that’s a real positive.”
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A trip to a newly-promoted Millwall side still without a win on their Championship return awaits City next weekend.
But before that it’s a round two Carabao Cup visit from League One Charlton, when Farke is expected to name another strong team and Murphy is hoping to get more minutes on the pitch.
“As long as I’m fit I want to play every game, so whether it’s the third round of the cup or whatever, I will always want to play – and I’m sure that’s the same for all the boys,” Murphy added.
“We’ve got such a strong squad, so probably on Tuesday we’ll play a strong team because we’ve got good players in every position.
“It’s just about bouncing back now. We’ve had a rubbish result and I think it’s just about going to play against Charlton and doing well against them.”
• For the latest Norwich City news and opinion follow Michael Bailey on Twitter @michaeljbailey, Facebook @mbjourno and Instagram @mrmichaeljbailey
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