Timm Klose knows exactly how Norwich City’s freshly recruited German contingent feels – and he is already helping them with the transition.
City’s German-born Swiss international centre-back endured a difficult first Championship season last term, acknowledging his initial hopes of dominating the division were swiftly elbowed to the floor.
This summer’s raft of acquisitions from the German domestic scene – including a pair of centre-backs in Christoph Zimmermann and Marcel Franke – have shown their abilities at times, but also the job they have to adjust to England’s fiercely competitive second tier.
“I was talking to them after the first few games and I told them I was exactly the same,” said Klose. “I struggled as well and it’s just that sometimes you can go out and smash people because it’s very physical in this league. It’s what the Championship is all about.
“Sometimes you have to give them time as well because they are still young and still have to learn some things. I think they are willing learners as well, and that is the most important thing.
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“You have to see there is a new thing going on here in Norwich. There have been many changes, not only in the team but in the background as well. You have to see that and accept it sometimes.
“It will take some time and I think that’s going to happen now. It’s just down to us to win some games and bring the fans down on our side.
“We will have some games where we struggle. I think at home we have a good win rate, but it’s important to do it away as well and I’m really looking forward to that challenge.”
The struggles showed up at Carrow Road in Tuesday night’s goalless draw with struggling Burton, while a trip to high-flying Sheffield United on their Championship return promises to test City’s resolve under head coach Daniel Farke to the limit.
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Klose added: “I think all the systems we’ve played so far have been good. Really it’s just down to us, to come out on the pitch, play every game with heart and spirit. That’s the most important thing in this league as well.
“I know ball possession is a nice thing, but you only have that when you fight for the ball. We need to find this balance. We can play football and we have a lot of quality, a lot of talent. The gaffer’s ideas are very good – we just need to bring that on to the pitch.”
• For the latest Norwich City news and opinion follow Michael Bailey on Twitter @michaeljbailey, Facebook @mbjourno and Instagram @mrmichaeljbailey
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