Dean Smith joins us. Here we go. Josh Sargent is back. Ozan Kabak yet to train. Andrew Omobamidele has suffered a setback in training
Smith says he has seen 'growth' in his group in the last month. 'It was a group that wasn't used to being asked questions.' He points out they are much more vocal in team meetings. Praise for Grant Hanley's role in progressing that within the group.
DS: 'Listen we know it needs 10 or 11 of our lads playing at 8 or 9 out of 10. But every challenge is an opportunity. I believe my players are looking forward to this one.'
DS: 'I'm not going to anger Pep again by claiming
#ManCity are the best team in the world'. I mean, if we're being factually accurate...
DS: Without the ball in the last couple of games, we've looked really good. We restricted Wolves and Palace to few chances. But we know we need to improve what we do in possession.
DS: "It's 11 human beings versus 11 human beings. We know they can make mistakes." Dean Smith knows the Canaries need to take advantage of any mistakes Man City might make.
How do
#NCFC go about beating Man City? Hard work. Being effective on the ball and the vast majority playing at 8/9 out of 10. Smith happy with his team's work against the ball but wants to see an improvement in their possession stats and use of the ball.
Smith says a mentality of being beaten before a ball is kicked won't be in the dressing room before this game. He believes his players have 'earned the right' to compete in this fixture.
Smith doesn't want
#NCFC to be 'sitting ducks' against Manchester City. He wants to see aggression at the right points and reiterates that they need to improve their work in possession.
On Teemu Pukki: Smith praising his application and work rate. He was pleased to see him score on Wednesday but felt disappointed with the chance he squandered. 'There is nobody I would rather want the chances to fall to'
Smith not confirming whether it has been Covid that has kept Sargent and Kabak out of games and training.
Interesting anecdote from
#ncfc DS. Talking generally about needing a bit of luck against these sides. 'We played
#everton recently. Their goal was offside. I got the ref's report back from that game and they admitted the error. You need those breaks.'
#ncfc DS on
#mcfc Grealish reunion: 'Listen a top player. British record transfer fee. I speak to him regularly and he wants to find more consistency in his performances. But he has shown glimpses of his quality. He is enjoying it and the experience of being among stars and Pep.'
Smith thinks this game will come too soon for a start for Mathias Normann, but he is going to take one more look at him today. Lukas Rupp has felt a slight teak in his hamstring, it was only minor but they didn't want to risk it in midweek.
Omobamidele is going to see the consultant again over his back issue. They are hoping it is nothing serious but the fact they've decided to send him back probably isn't the best sign...
Smith has had some tight games against Manchester City in recent games. Throughout this press conference, despite stressing how talented Man City are, Smith has used the used expression - 'they are human'
Happy with Adam Idah? 'I'll be even happier with him if he brings in some cakes for his 21st birthday today
Not season-defining games, but two that
#NCFC go into with renewed confidence. That is the parting message from Smith. Enjoyed that, some nice messages on what he wants to see them improve, their mentality and belief heading into tomorrow.
