In part two of our Six Things Summer Special, we turn the spotlight on Daniel Farke. MATT HOWMAN asks whether a change of emphasis is required as he tries to turn around Norwich City's fortunes.
Despite the divisive opinions on Daniel Farke's tactics, considering the previous summer's squad overhaul and budget constraints, I'd hesitate to say that he will be fairly pleased at not only how his players have adapted to his style of football, but also the way in which the season has panned out.
Through our rose-tinted spectacles, us fans will always expect Norwich City to be challenging for the top six.
However, Farke would have remained realistic; the play-offs would have been a bonus to his first season, not the main target. This year was all about consolidation, development, building the foundations.
The second season then becomes a different scenario. The lethargic build-up play, the lack of goal scoring presence, the majority of possession sitting with defenders without any purpose suddenly become serious issues and not just part of the team's learning curve.
So what can Farke learn from this season?
He may be pleased with a mid-table finish in the context of his playing staff and the overhaul of the squad, but for Norwich to challenge at the top end of the table playing this style of football it is going to require a lot more quality across the pitch.
The board have already been clear that there won't be a large sum of money to spend so Farke and his team will have to be clever with their recruitment.
The calibre of player that comes on the cheap is highly unlikely to be the full package, which could leave us largely in the position we have been in this season.
On a shoestring budget the more common route in the Championship is to stick with the basics: defend well, win your 50/50s, get the ball out wide and get crosses into a striker that has a presence in front of goal.
The Farke style requires technical ability, an eye for a pass and a good footballing brain – these players are seldom found cheap.
The question that needs to be asked is, can he adapt with the quality of player we can attract?
Farke's playing style is an idealistic one, we need to be realistic and that may require a different style altogether.
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