Norwich City Heaven - Daniel Farke sacking

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No one had heard of Daniel Farke when he was appointed Norwich Head Coach in 2017. However, by the time of his sacking in 2021 the German had become a Canary legend. Farke was coach of Borussia Dortmund's reserve team when he was brought to Carrow Road by the club's Sporting Director Stuart Webbe on May 25th 2017. Webber had appointed another German coach David Wagner (who had also coached Borussia Dortmund's second string) at his previous club, Huddersfield Town. Wagner of course guided the Terriers to the Premier League in 2016/17 via the Play-Offs.

The way Farke left the club was untimely and unfair. Farke's sacking was announced immediately after the Canaries had beaten Brentford for their first win of the season on November 6th 2021. There is no doubt in my mind that Farke's abilities were outstanding in the Championship but somewhat lacking in the Premier League, especially when you consider that he lost a shocking 15 consecutive matches in the top flight but he deserved some respect surely? Why couldn't the club have announced Farke's departure the day after the win against the Bees?

Farke soon found himself a new job after leaving Carrow Road, he was appointed head coach of Krasnodar from the Russian Premier League on January 13th 2022. However on March 2nd it was announced that Farke was leaving his new post due to concerns over his safety due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Farke led Norwich to two Championship titles in three seasons and was responsible for signing club legends Teemu Pukki and Emi Buendia. His first season in charge saw the Canaries struggle to score goals (49), winning 15 matches, drawing 15 and losing 16, finishing 14th. However the following season the Canaries scored 93 league goals, finishing top of the table, 5 points clear of Sheffield United. Despite a decent start on their return to the Premier League which included a brilliant 3-2 win against Manchester City, the Canaries went straight back down to the Championship.

Farke of couirse achieved automatic promotion for a second time in 2020/21 with some dazzling football along the way, mostly in front of no fans but he couldn't maintain the same standard in the Premier League and probably had to go in the end. Farke had an average 41.9 win ratio, the best since Paul Lambert. However, Farke only achieved 6 wins in the Premier League, 3 less than Alex Neil. Farke has a mural dedicated to him on the outside of the Fat Cat Public House on Yarmouth Road, Norwich. Also there is a rap song dedicated to him. I am not aware of any other Norwich manager achieving this cult status, so fair play to him and good luck in the future.