Daniel Farke insists it is Norwich City’s players who will make him look good.

Farke arrived in England with a reputation as a progressive coach at Borussia Dortmund II, and his tactical switch to a back three during Friday’s 3-1 friendly win over DSC Arminia Bielefeld paid instant dividends.

The German’s squad are back in England after a two-match winning tour and step up their planning for the new Championship campaign tonight at Charlton, but Farke is adamant any success this season hinges on those who carry the club’s colours into battle.

“It is always about the players. Of course, I can have some ideas about what we need in the game but if the players don’t follow me or try to fulfil my ideas it is just an idea,” he said. “It is always about the players. In the beginning we had some problems where we are not dominating in the 4-1-4-1 so we tried 3-5-2 to get pressure on the long balls because that is how Bielefeld always play and we wanted to protect our centre.

“That was the reason we dominated more and more because the guys took on the basic information.

“It is not so easy to switch during the game, it is very important for us to be flexible in that game and different games. That is key.

“We spoke about this before the Duisburg game that I want us to be flexible, we need some changes from our basic formation and the guys have to be prepared. You can’t just expect it to happen in the game, they have to put the hard work in, in training.

“They are flexible and they can have different solutions. To have an experience like we did in Bielefeld is a good thing and important for the guys.”

Alex Tettey appears to have a key role in Farke’s developing strategy, with his ability to protect the defence.

“Alex missed some games because in pre-season, he had some problems with his knee and he is an older guy. It is important he plays and gets his fitness,” said the City head coach. “I planned to only give him 70 minutes (against Bielefeld) but he was so important with his physical presence and tactically winning his one against ones. I wanted to win the game and he had to play the 90 minutes. It is vital for us that although he might be hurt he can do good things on the pitch.”