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Daniel Farke addresses the media ahead of Norwich City's FA Cup third round tie against Coventry City. Updates to come from 1.15pm.
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DF: We're living in strange times and were lucky, due to strict and disciplined work, that we were one of a few clubs who hadn't had positive cases so far.

DF: We had to expect to deal with it. As long as the pandemic goes on then one or two of our staff or players will be tested positive, it's quite normal. If you go to Tesco to buy some bread you can get it.

DF: Colney is one of the safest places in the whole country because of our restrictions, but it's never a guarantee. It could happen in a game.

DF: Tim Krul is one of the positive cases, and the second player is Adam Idah.

DF: They've been isolating for a few days because we tested at the beginning of the week. The most important thing is they feel well. Tim had some symptoms but it's not getting worse, more like a cold.

DF: It looks quite ok. They have a blocked nose or something so it's not too bad but we take it seriously. Tim said how poorly you feel when you have it so stay disciplined and he's spot on. They were isolated from the moment after we took the tests so no reason to be majorly concerned.

DF: We have hygiene protocols and are strict in what we do when there is a question mark. It's not like we don't want to know about a positive test.

DF: We want our players to feel comfortable and safe and that's one of the reasons we have less numbers than other clubs or in general. The health of our human beings is the most important topic. We will not sacrifice their health in order to be successful.

DF: It's important not to panic too much. It's a picture of society at the moment and we have to accept at some point we have to deal with it by following the rules to make sure they come back when they are safe and return two negative tests after a period of self isolation.

DF: They would be allowed for the Cardiff game as the self isolation would be over, but that's not my concern. I have to ask the physios when they will be fit again to go, it's not for me to push them.

DF: Kieran Dowell was struggling after the game with some pain. Not a major concern but he will be out for 10-12 days and miss the FA Cup tie and the next league game.

DF: Josh Martin had a cold in the last days and didn't feel well. He was back in individual training and we've re-tested him to make sure it's not a COVID case. It seems like a normal cold, but we'll bring him back to the group when he has another negative test.

DF: Lukas is improving day to day but we hope he can re-join team training next week. Same for Marco Stiepermann - he's still losing his balance and feeling sick so he needs to see some more specialists to find a solution. It's hard to predict when he can return to training.

DF: Onel and Bali are both back in training so that's good news. I think about involving them tomorrow. It could be too soon but Bali looks sharp and hasn't been out that long. He's naturally a pretty fit and physical player. There's a good chance for him to be involved.

DF: Onel needs a few more training sessions to get back to his rhythm, but he will improve his chances to be involved. He's a topic for the squad perhaps tomorrow, but not for the starting lineup.

DF: Daniel Barden is our cup goalkeeper this season and he'll start tomorrow. He has my trust and I'm sure he'll have a good performance. He's a confident lad.

DF: Michael McGovern had successful surgery. The tendon was fully interrupted so had to be repaired. He'll be out for 12-16 weeks.

DF: We are in the market and it makes sense to stay aware if there is a possibility to bring a goalkeeper in due to this injury, but only if it makes sense for us to do it. We have Jon McCracken, Daniel Barden and Tim Krul soon available.

DF: We trust our young lads, so it only makes sense if a goalkeeper is available who has already delivered on this level. It's more important to make a good decision than a quick one.

DF: We'll try to do some business over the next days. Let's see if there is a possibility to bring a quality lad in and if there is we'll try everything to make it possible. Time will tell.

DF: We want to win and go to the next round. I'm a deep believer in cup competitions and we want to be as successful as possible.

DF: Whoever is on the pitch will try everything to win the game, whatever it costs. We do have to find a good balance because we are in a situation of playing 46 games in the league and wanting to be successful in that.

DF: We will rotate a bit more than we would do in comparison to a league game, but we won't rotate 11 positions. We want a strong starting lineup and bring players onto the pitch who are strong enough to win the game.

DF: It was difficult when we last played them. I have lots of respect for what they've done and since that game they've had several wins. They're mid-table and it's a great chance for them to shine on a great stage; a cup game away at the league leaders.

DF: They'll go for it and try to use the opportunity, so we need a top Championship performance to win this game. It's difficult to beat them in the league, but in the cup it's do or die and they have nothing to lose. They don't need to fight against relegation so they'll go for it. They're always brave and a good possession side.

DF: It's difficult to criticise. We've played the best first half of the season in the history of the club. Two years ago the goal difference was slightly better, but apart from this. Without a summer break, proper pre-season and being the favourites in every game, I think the lads are doing a fantastic job.

DF: To use our chances more and be more effective is one topic. We're in position one for creating chances but I got the feeling we can convert more to score goals. It was a fantastic performance in terms of the chances against Barnsley. It should have been 4-0 or 5-0.

DF: We have to work on being more clinical, but when you play all three days it's not that easy. Due to tired legs sometimes you don't have the cutting edge in every game, but this is a side sitting few points clear at the top of the table with many points, but this is one area we can improve.

DF: The second topic where we can improve is to win games from set pieces. We're one of the smaller sides, if we want to be top class at set pieces I can't play with players like Pukki, Buendia or Skipp because they're too small.

DF: I'm pleased how we deal with defending set pieces. It's a major concern when you have a small side and we are one of the smallest. Compliments to my coaching staff in charge of the set pieces.

DF: We can improve our deliveries and the outcome. We have many first touches after set pieces, but to be more brutal in this situation to score more is a topic. Grant Hanley has the most first touches from set pieces in the whole league, so I'd have preferred if two or three went into the net.

DF: To add a few from our taller, defensive players is something we work on in training but it's not like you press a button and score. Kenny McLean and Ben Gibson can do this. I don't think we'll ever be the team to score the most set piece goals in this league, but to add a few more would be beneficial.

DF: You can get coronavirus from an opponent in a duel, so there is the danger everywhere. We have to reduce the risk as much as possible and that's what we're doing, so compliments to our key people responsible for this.

DF: We have a great responsibility in these times. We're in a privileged role to do our jobs so it would be wrong to complain. During cold months like January, February and March it will still be tricky. It could start to improve when the weather is better and hopefully the vaccine works, so I think come April we'll be in a better position.

DF: When the country is in such a difficult period you have the responsibility to cheer people up and give them things to speak about. Everyone loves to praise or criticise the team.

DF: We would accept if the games have to be cancelled, but my gut feeling is we should try everything to go further on and give people something to cheer about. If we can go through this in the way we have so far, we can go further on.

DF: With Zimmermann, Hanley and Gibson the situation with the centre-backs have eased up a lot. They seem to be in a good place. Andrew Omobamidele has developed a lot and in a much better position than three months ago.

DF: Tettey or Sorensen can play in this role too. We'll stay awake in the transfer window, but I think the topic of centre-backs has eased up. Perhaps the topic of signing a goalkeeper is more important if there is a chance to do so.

DF: I trust Andrew and he's a good lad. I would never be scared to play him. I wanted to bring him on previously but the ball didn't go out of play.

DF: We want a strong starting lineup and that doesn't mean we're not strong with Andrew in the lineup, but he has lots of competition. He's on the right path and growing daily in training, so I'm pleased with his developments so far.

DF: Xavi is back after a long term injury and has a good chance to be involved tomorrow. But compliments to Sorensen for how he dealt with the situation, adapting to the position.

DF: He was able to defend top players on this level like Sarr over 90 minutes. He has developed in this role with his positioning and became a threat in the offence, getting a goal and assist.

DF: Credit to him because he's a smart player and can adapt, so I like him a lot. Whatever task I give him, he's willing to fulfill it with class and quality. His normal position is in central midfield, defensive or attacking.

DF: I'm tempted to see him in his favourite role but it's good to have him as an option at full-back, where we went on an unbeaten run in the top position of the table.

DF: Last season was difficult for us but we had a great cup win with away wins at Preston, Burnley and Tottenham and were one minute away from reaching the penalty shootout against Manchester United. I'd love to have a cup run with a better outcome this season.

DF: We won't use the cup game for gifts or to try things out, that's what friendlies are for. That doesn't mean we won't rotate, but those who come in will be fresh and highly motivated. I expect a difficult game against a good, solid Championship side.

DF: We know we're capable of creating moments like we did at Tottenham. In order to be allowed to live in moments like that against Tottenham or Man City, you have to stay focused and concentrated in the first rounds.

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That's all from the boss this afternoon. Thank-you for following today's live blog.

Posted By: DrDublin, Jan 8, 14:04:27