Norwich City: Johannes Hoff Thorup on Grant Hanley, Duffy

Battle-hardened pair After defensive blunders in the Canaries’ first two games of the season, Shane Duffy and Grant

Hanley came under fire, with many fans demanding that they be benched as they struggled with Thorup’s modified

style of play.

However, Duffy has impressed playing at the centre of the backline alongside Callum Doyle since being added to the

starting lineup for the Canaries’ previous two Championship games.

Thorup has reassured those supporters that he has reasons to retain them in the running for the first team, stating

that both the Irishman and the team captain Hanley bring vital qualities to City’s development.

“With all due respect, you as a coach sometimes need to take into consideration what the players give on a daily basis

because it is difficult to see from the outside,” he remarked.

“In this instance, we are discussing two seasoned players who fully commit to the surroundings and really assist the

younger guys. They are energised enough to go and help them.

Grant did it even though he wasn’t playing versus Blackburn. He was full of energy and would have gone to cheer on

some of the younger people who were about to play the game, etc.

“That is crucial to us. Having these seasoned players who are able to support you on the pitch or near it is crucial

when you decide to slightly alter your approach and style of play. Of course, we also require that in games.

Requests for educational materials Brad Hills and Jaden Warner to start at centre-back have been consistent, while

new acquisitions Doyle and Jose Cordoba have also made an impression.

Though he hopes to meet a committed couple soon, Thorup thinks competition can only be beneficial for Norwich.

The City head coach went on, “At this time, we have determined that there is competition for the centre-back

position.” “For these positions, we have four or five players available.

“Going forward, our goal is to identify the two players who contribute the most to our team, but naturally,

competition is required at every position.”