In a season that began with high hopes for promotion, Norwich City finds itself in a disappointing situation, currently eight points from the play-off spots with just eight matches remaining in the Championship. Fans expected a serious push for a top-six finish after the hiring of manager Johannes Hoff Thorup, but a recent slump has put them at risk of finishing mid-table, a situation reminiscent of Daniel Farke’s inaugural season with the team.
Daniel Farke’s first year at Norwich saw the Canaries finish 14th in the Championship, far removed from the playoff chase. Now, with a record of 41 matches resulting in 13 wins, 13 draws, and 15 losses, Thorup's tenure echoes Farke’s early struggles, and both coaches share a common path in their management careers. Similarities abound, as both stepped into their first managerial roles outside their home countries while overseeing significant roster changes upon their arrivals. Farke transitioned from Borussia Dortmund’s reserves, while Thorup moved up through the ranks at Nordsjælland in Denmark before taking over at Norwich last summer.
Norwich supporters are keenly aware of the parallels; this season, they have endured 64 goals scored and 65 conceded, translating into a win percentage of 32%—which mirrors Farke's debut season stats almost to a tee. When reflecting on Farke’s following year, he clinched the Championship title after a strong 27 wins, signaling a potential turnaround in Thorup's fortunes if similar patterns hold true.
A three-year contract was extended to Thorup upon his appointment, a significant commitment compared to Farke's shorter two-year deal. This reflects the Norwich board's desire for stability and long-term vision, desiring growth over instant results. However, this season brought the loss of key players, including Gabriel Sara—whose departure has been pivotal—and injuries that plagued consistency. Johannes Hoff Thorup’s management has been particularly impacted by this, as he leaned on younger, less experienced players who, while showing promise, also struggled to find their footing in high-pressure situations.
Despite these challenges, Thorup has been careful not to publicly criticize his squad, acknowledging that injuries and a lack of key personnel have disrupted their game plan. After recently suffering a heavy blow in the form of a 1-0 victory against Watford in February 2025, followed by a disheartening run where they managed only one win in eight games, Thorup emphasized the need for understanding in the current context. He stated, “I have to be the one who can see the bigger picture, who can see that this is not the time for me to be too critical.”
Norwich City’s season has been a rollercoaster. Just two weeks ago, the club's ambitions took another hit after a 2-1 defeat against Bristol City, which Thorup described as likely the final nail in the coffin for their play-off aspirations. “You can’t hide from the fact recent performances can only be described as poor,” he admitted. This has cemented their fate for a fourth consecutive season outside the top flight, a grim record that draws sharp criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Frustration with the defense has been a recurring theme among supporters; as Thorup’s tactics often focus on possession, opponents have exploited defensive lapses, leading to a string of goals conceded early in matches. As seen in the game against Bristol City, where Norwich conceded in the sixth minute and again at the 23-minute mark, it led to what fans describe as a “mountain to climb.” The struggles of players like Callum Doyle, tasked with unfamiliar roles, have raised eyebrows and fueled criticism that the management must adapt tactics to suit their players better.
As for promising talent like Oscar Schwartau, the 18-year-old midfielder has made 16 appearances this season but hasn’t started a match since the 1-0 defeat to Preston North End. Supporters are eager to see him return to the starting lineup, especially as Norwich seeks to revive their ambitions in the limited games remaining. Thorup’s choices have come under scrutiny, with many believing he must utilize the young dynamics of his squad to bring out the best as they navigate this turbulent season.
Despite the high turnover of players—14 arriving after the departures of similarly numbered players—and the heavy reliance on young contributors, Norwich City remains a club known for its resilience. There’s a palpable wish among supporters that Thorup can mirror Farke’s trajectory, guiding them not just to the mid-table, but back into contention for promotion. Norwich City fans hope the foundations laid this season will catalyze a journey toward returning to the Premier League within the following years.
Looking back at memories of past victories, such as the Milk Cup triumph 40 years ago, the spirit of Norwich shines through even in these trying times. On the horizon, fans want their team to harness the energy of their youthful talent while remedying the defensive shortcomings. With time still on the side of Johnannes Hoff Thorup, the Canaries might yet find a way to ascend back to greater heights in the Championship.
