Establishing identity is my obligation - Thorup

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Johannes Hoff Thorup joined Norwich City from Danish side Nordsjaelland in May

Norwich City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup has said it is his obligation to establish an identity at the club after an inconsistent start to his first season in charge.

Former City head coach David Wagner was dismissed within 24 hours of the final whistle after the Canaries were comprehensively beaten in last season's play-off semi-finals by Leeds United 4-0, amid heavy criticism over his style of play.

"It's more of an obligation for a coach and for a club that there's a clear identity. When I'm not here anymore, then I think the club identity should stay the same," Thorup told 大象传媒 Look East.

"I think its about building that clear identity which is maybe our most important job to do, and I hope that the fans can see that we are taking steps in the direction where it becomes more clear why we take these decisions."

On the identity he wanted to create at Carrow Road, Thorup added, "A saying in the club is 'On the ball, City'. We have an obligation to have a team full of players that are technical and skilful. Where we can dominate games, we can control games.

"I also think we need to bring in players that have some kind of connection to the club, to the city. I think that's important we also connect that to the way we play at the weekend".

Norwich are currently 15th in the Championship table after one win from their opening five league games but the 35-year-old Dane said the club are moving in the right direction.

"I think the players are doing well. I think the players are really adapting and trying and also showing that we have actually taken some big steps."

Thorup was dealt a major blow during the transfer window this summer with star midfielder Gabriel Sara, winger Jonathan Rowe and forward Adam Idah all leaving the club.

And despite dominating most of the possession, City were unable to break down a valiant Swansea City rear-guard, going down 1-0 to the hosts last weekend.

However, City's head coach remains unperturbed by his side's start to the season.

"When you try to go down a new road and do something different compared to what you have done before then it takes time and there's a lot of things to be done," he said.

The Canaries continue their league campaign on Saturday lunchtime at home to fifth-placed Watford.