Norwich City welcome Liverpool to Carrow Road on the back of two successive Premier League defeats and an FA Cup loss to Manchester City. However, with the signings of Timm Klose and Steven Naismith announced this week, Norwich fans will be in a buoyant mood ahead of the Saturday lunch-time kick-off. I caught up with Liverpool fan and Content and Data Manager of Fresh Press Media Ltd man, Ste Hoare, for his thoughts ahead of the match.
Hi Ste, are the Liverpool fans pleased with their team so far this season?
Simple answer would be no, not really. We’re ecstatic to get a new manager in, one of the highest pedigree but the general feeling is that the combination of major injuries and having players who aren’t quite good enough has really hampered him.
So would you say this season is all about getting Klopp settled and then preparing for a possible title challenge next year?
It’s difficult to just write a season off, we pay too much money as fans for that. I do think the pressure is off him though, and he will be assessing who is and isn’t good enough for his squad. I think expecting a title challenge is a bit too much, but we need to at least be in the battle for the top four, and we look way short of that at the minute.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s match, which player should Norwich be wary of?
I suppose after the Arsenal game, it’s Roberto Firmino. He’ll probably play up front, or as a false nine, and after a below par start to his Liverpool career, he looks to be hitting his stride and showing why the club paid so much money for him. If you give him space on the edge of the box, he has shown the ability to score from distance. However, if you get too tight ti him, he is able to play smart passes to teammates.
How do you rate Norwich’s season so far? Are people on Merseyside fond of the Canaries?
You are where I expected you to be if I’m honest; in a relegation battle. I’ve found Norwich quite frustrating when I’ve watched them this season, I’m not always sure what the game plan is. The side looks functional without having a great deal of quality. I’m not sure there is much of an opinion really, other than being remembered for being on the end of some Luis Suarez masterclasses!
I’m sure all Norwich fans will be overjoyed that they aren’t welcoming Suarez back to Carrow Road this weekend! But are there any Norwich players you fear could terrorize Liverpool?
I don’t particularly fear any one player really. Steven Naismith is a clever player who could really cause problems, but my main worry with Liverpool is always set pieces. We’re really bad at defending them!
Do you think the transfer business that Norwich has done will keep them up?
It’s a tough one really, the bottom of the league is so tight it’s very hard to predict. I’m not too familiar with most of the players you brought in if I’m honest, but Naismith if used right could get the goals that you seem to be lacking. Sorry to say but I predicted Norwich to go down at the start of the season, but you certainly have a chance to stay up. Villa for me, are gone, so now it’s probably two from Sunderland, Newcastle, Swansea and Bournemouth. I’d say Norwich have enough to be better than at least two of those other sides but it’s really tight.
And finally, what is your score prediction?
I think we’ll win 2-1 but honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we struggle and you win a tight game either.
I thank Ste very much for his time and wish him and his football team all the best for the rest of the season.
