Press news in...

The City boss addresses the media before tomorrow's match against Watford.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Zimmermann is out with the same ankle injury. Placheta still suffering from symptoms of Covid. Giannoulis returns. As does Sargent. Both have been back in full training in the last few days. Farke says Sargent probably won't be fit enough to start.

Jacob Sorensen has been struggling with a dead leg but has trained today so looks to be alright. Pierre Lees-Melou has suffered from a flu at the start of the week. Again, Farke says it is unlikely that he will be available for the full 90 minutes.

Q: 'Is this a must-win game, Daniel?'
A: 'No, it is not.'
Farke playing it down somewhat. But he is hoping for a positive performance first and foremost. Then hopefully the result will follow.

Farke asked about his poor record against Watford, four defeats from four games. He points to Watford's quality as being the primary reason for that, although does that most of his squad were hungover for the game at Carrow Road a few months ago.

Also points out that NCFC didn't win either of their matches against Watford last season but still won the title. Maybe another reason he may not view this as a must-win encounter.

Lots of praise for Andrew Omobamidele. Farke says he has been really impressive in training this week and he would have faith in him again if selected. As was the case last week, he's keeping his cards close to his chest.

'If we deliver performances like against Leicester and Arsenal, we will give ourselves the opportunity to win several points'.

Farke jokes that he can live with the defeats to Watford last season if they manage to win tomorrow. Plenty of praise for Watford. Interesting that he points out how tough they are to break down, especially given NCFC's attacking issues.

'It's important that we show the mentality that we are going to suffer at points during the season'. Never too high. Never too low. Either NCFC lose confidence, blame either other and lose sight of the process. Or they pick themselves up and prove they can compete in the PL.

NCFC will have to roll with the punches if they want to become established in the Premier League.That doesn't mean they aren't disappointed. E.G. No team has conceded fewer goals to Man City than NCFC did. They have to accept the pain.

Norwich have failed to establish themselves in the last decade. Fans have suffered. But Farke is urging them to trust the process and remain positive. Don't get too low after a poor result.

Farke now moving to defend some of his players after some criticism. Starts with Ben Gibson, who he describes at one of the best CB's he worked with when it comes to build up play. Then he moves to Hanley. Then Rupp - 'I know he is not a fan favourite'.

'If you asked every player, he (Rupp) would be the first player on the teamsheet. 'The distance he covers. The repairs he does. He is LR7, not CR7. He does not play 'sexy football'. But we need this type of player. We need support for them.'

Now on to Teemu Pukki. 'He is one of the best strikers this club has ever seen. He stayed with us when he had other opportunities because his blood is yellow and green.' Farke doesn't accept the criticism of the Finn.

'We need even the ticket office to be positive to win points. The place should be exploding.'

'We need to have the will to suffer. But also to be positive. Let's create the atmosphere tomorrow that will help the players get a result tomorrow.'

'There is not one game where you can say this is a must win for us. Watford is a top side and it's so difficult to win points against teams who are even on the same level. They have kept their key players. I wouldn't label it easier than Leicester.'

'When the name of Teemu Pukki is read out in the stadium, the crowd should go crazy. He is one of the best player's in the history of this club'. Farke adamant that NCFC still have enough to stay in the division.

'I hope people are arriving at Carrow Road tomorrow thinking it is a must-win game and saying 'come on, entertain us'. 'We need to make Carrow Road a fortress.'

'I have to protect my players and speak about it sooner rather than late. 'I was a supporter when I was younger, I can understand it. I used to say 'this player is crap'. If want to swim against the tide, we have to stay united. 'I think this club has lacked positivity in recent years. It feels sorry for itself too early.

'I was honest two years ago, I said it would take a little miracle. We have a real chance this time. Come on. Let's make it happen.'

Farke stressing that Pukki isn't undroppable nor will he start every game. But wants a bit more backing for him after games against Liverpool, Leicester, Man City and Arsenal. 'We can't be like a flag in the wind.'

Mathias is a bit different (to Skipp). He is forward-thinking. He can play key passes and deliver goals and assists. He takes set-pieces - I would never have allowed Skipp to take one!' Different skills. I'm interested to see how Normann fits into it all.

'After five games, we beat Newcastle and Man City. Everyone was praising us. Sean Dyche said 'it doesn't matter where you are after five games'.

'Our stadium announcer has to be like a boxing announcer. The whole stadium needs to be bouncing'

'Let's make four yellow walls but just because you are holding a scarf, don't forget to scream'.

----------------------------------------------------------------

That's all from the boss.

Sorry the legend isn't in the usual format, bizarrely the official Press twitter thread has only given us all of six quotes, very strange.

Posted By: DrDublin, Sep 17, 15:15:48