Key Highlights
- Philippe Clement faces his ‘biggest test’ in selecting a starting XI for the FA Cup match against Walsall.
- The manager discusses potential penalty takers and the challenges of evaluating new signings.
- Clement emphasizes the importance of making good choices both short-term and long-term.
Norwich City’s Manager Grapples with Selection Dilemmas Ahead of FA Cup
Philippe Clement, manager of Norwich City, is navigating one of his most significant challenges to date as he prepares for the upcoming FA Cup third round tie against Walsall. The French tactician admitted that selecting a starting lineup and bench players has been “my biggest test” since taking charge.
Alexander Ahmed, Papa Amadou Diallo, and Kenny McLean Not Selected
Despite having 23 outfield players available for selection this week in training sessions, Clement faces the difficult task of choosing from an abundance of talent. New signings such as Ali Ahmed and Papa Amadou Diallo, along with captain Kenny McLean, are not included in the squad for the upcoming match.
Selection Challenges and Future Planning
“I have to say that picking a starting 11, and picking 20 for this cup game has been my biggest test,” Clement explained. “I was happy this week we had 23 outfield players all the time available in the training session. A while ago, we totally didn’t have that.
“So more choices to be made, and it’s about making good choices for the short term, but also for the longer term. I want to see also a few players that I didn’t see enough yet.
Is it starting? Is it coming off the bench?”
Penalty Takers Identified
In case the match goes to extra time or penalties, Clement has already discussed potential penalty takers with his staff. “If it came to that, I have penalty takers in my mind because I discussed it with the staff,” he stated. “I don’t believe in the day before a cup game suddenly with everybody to start giving penalties, because then I create also the impression that we cannot do it in normal time.” Clement further elaborated on their training schedule: “The penalty taking is something for the future when we have a little bit more time to practice things that will be regularly in. Our training schedule with the players, until now, we didn’t have time to put focus on that. But I know who are the ones who took penalties in the past, so we made a list.”
Building Team for the Future
“There are a few players that I still need to see more of to give them an honest chance,” Clement continued. “What is the good moment to let them play? Those things are in my head now, so I have more difficult decisions to make now, I think, than the last game.” Clement believes this process is essential for the team’s future success, as he aims to identify players who can contribute both in the short term and long term.
As Norwich City prepares for a crucial match against Walsall, manager Philippe Clement is navigating the complexities of building his squad. The upcoming FA Cup third round tie will be a significant test not only for the team but also for the manager’s ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
