Back to work boys, is Norwich City boss Alex Neil’s warning to his Premier League relegation fighters
John Ruddy hugs Norwich City match-winner Martin Olsson. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Alex Neil is warning his Norwich City players it is time to get back to work and complete the Canaries' Premier League survival mission after a superb 3-2 win against relegation rivals Newcastle.
Martin Olsson's 93rd-minute strike sparked euphoria at Carrow Road and moved Norwich four points clear of the bottom three - but Neil will not rest until the job is complete.
'There are certain moments in football that can take you down a good path or a bad path and Martin's goal was one of those key moments,' he said. 'If we hadn't scored then it would have been more difficult but the fact we did gave us another two points to our tally. It is a massive two points. For me it is just a feeling of relief that I can go home and not want to hide under my pillow and for the players they are absolutely buzzing. They live and breathe Norwich.
'You want to let them enjoy their moment but also give them a sense of realism. Well done, back to work Monday, because the next one is just as big.'
City's home support generated a raucous atmosphere that swept everyone, including Neil, up in the emotion of the occasion.
'After we conceded, one of our own fans started shouting at me, which I wasn't happy about, and he was on the wrong side of their dugout so when we scored I was running to him,' he said. 'He was just frustrated, as we all were. We are fighting for the same cause and I am sure he went home happy. I have no problems with fans voicing their opinions. I am quite an emotional character so if someone is giving me a bit in earshot I am going to give them a bit back. It is water off a duck's back so it is not a problem for me. They have been great.
'I think some of the Newcastle boys thought I was remonstrating with them, which isn't the case. I would never do that.
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'The bottom line is when you are a manager you want to win. You don't get to the Premier League unless you are fiercely competitive, and you want to win games.'
