- Clement proves tactical brilliance by defying expectations against Bristol City.
- Strategic patience and flexible thinking define head coach’s winning formula.
- Mo Toure flourishes as Clement adapts his playbook to secure another victory.
Just when you think you’ve got Philippe Clement all figured out, he throws another tactical curveball.
Against Bristol City, he orchestrated events even when he couldn’t be on the touchline. Here’s how, once again, Clement has shown even more promise as a manager.
The Phillipe Clement formula
Even in the short space of time that he has been head coach, I thought I had cracked the Clement formula.
A relatively quiet first half would be shaken up by two tactical substitutions.
This throws off the game plan of the opposition as they now have to deal with a different player dynamic, usually resulting in an early goal or comeback.
The twist
Clement proved that he was one step ahead of us.
We were all waiting for the halftime switch. Usually, this would involve someone like Mo Toure coming on. But given he was already on the pitch, this was not possible.
In defiance of expectations, Clement didn’t do his patented Clement half-time switcharoo. He saw the pattern of the game and decided to stick with what he had.
Why this bodes well…
“Why is this important?”
With even the best Norwich managers, fans have become frustrated.
For example, as much as I love Daniel Farke and would happily accompany him on a guided tour of the Alps while soft rock plays in the background, he could be stubborn when it came to bringing on subs.
This is encouraging because it shows that Clement is not wedded to an ideology. He is not doing this for the sake of it, he’s doing what he believes will win games.
Ironically this can also mean not changing things if he doesn’t have to.
The payoff
What a vocal Norwich City away crowd got in return was a blistering goal rush, the joy of seeing Toure getting another hat trick, and adding to his already impressive goal tally.
What could have been an ‘on the beach’ encounter has instead become another glimpse into Clement’s playbook.
The chapter marked, “You think you know me, but I know you think you know, which is why I’m ahead of you.”
After the disappointment of the derby Clement once again delivered, even without being able to influence the game from the side of the pitch.
I was already excited for next season, now I’m super curious!
