Norwich 'shooting ourselves in the foot' - Manning

“We’re Just Shooting Ourselves in the Foot” — Manning’s Frustration Grows at Norwich City

The pressure is mounting for Liam Manning and his squad at Norwich City as a campaign that promised hope and progress has instead opened with inconsistency, mistakes and a rising sense of frustration. After a disappointing home defeat to Bristol City, Manning did not mince words. He admitted his side simply aren’t doing the basics right.

“We’re just too nice to play against... we shoot ourselves in the foot with the mistakes we’re making,” he said.

In that stark admission lies a deeper problem at Carrow Road — one which stems not only from personnel or tactics, but from a collective mindset that is failing to deliver when it matters most.

A Defining Verdict

Norwich’s defeat to Bristol City (1-0) marked a continuation of home troubles — they have now lost all five of their home league games this season and are perilously close to the relegation zone. Timing, context and history all combine to amplify the alarm bells. For a club once used to stability in the Championship, this opening run of results is concerning.

Manning, who took over in the summer, had spoken earlier about ambition and a fresh identity. But after the result, his critical self-reflection revealed that ambition means little if the necessary edge, the bite, is missing. “We created some good chances and didn’t take them – successful sides at this level need to be ruthless in front of goal and we weren’t,” he added.
The phrase “shooting ourselves in the foot” encapsulates the narrative: good passes, decent build-up, but simple errors and passive moments undoing the progress.

What’s Wrong and Why It Matters

Mistakes and Soft Goals

The game’s only goal came after a free-kick conceded in poor fashion. Something that Manning highlighted: “Then (for the goal) we give away a soft free-kick, switch off when it comes over and the ball is in the back of our net.” When margins are tight, such lapses are costly — especially at home, where expectations are higher and the support more demanding.

Lack of Brutality

Possession and pass-accuracy may be acceptable, but the data show Norwich rank poorly in attacking penetration and finishing. The head coach’s complaint—“we weren’t brave enough to go out and do what was required”—speaks to this lack of cutting edge. Without that edge, preparation counts for little when the game is decided by fine moments.

Home Advantage Under Threat

Carrow Road, historically a fortress, is now a place of mounting anxiety. Five home losses in the league already this season undermine foundations. The supporters, long loyal and hopeful, are becoming restless. For a club with promotion aspirations or at least upper-mid-table stability, this start is unacceptable.

Manning’s Honest Assessment

What stands out from Manning’s comments is the mix of self-critique and demand for accountability. He didn’t blame referees or bad luck; he and the players are responsible. “I’ll own my performance in all this but a few of the players need to own their performances as well,” he said. By doing so he signals that the culture needs to shift — from passivity to aggression, from nice football to purposeful football.

He elaborated on how he doesn’t want “square and sideways” play all the time: the message is clear — structure is important but daring is required. There must be more risk, more intent, more urgency.

The Bigger Picture

The early season struggles at Norwich are not just about one defeat. They reflect deeper systemic issues: recruitment that hasn’t delivered yet, tactical clarity that’s still in formation, and a squad that perhaps lacks the Championship-hardened mentality needed to grind results when things aren’t going well.

In an age of squad turnover, parachute payments lost, and many clubs chasing quick returns, Norwich’s plan under Manning must now contend with the reality of results or else risk serious regression.

What Must Change

• Edge in defence and attack: Mistakes like soft free-kicks or switching off cannot linger. The team must become tougher, more disciplined.
• Bravery in conditions of pressure: When they fall behind, or when matches are tight, the players must respond with courage and urgency. Manning emphasised that “when you don’t score the pressure mounts.”
• Home performance revival: Carrow Road must be won again — fans require belief, players require momentum, and the club requires resilience.
• Ownership by individuals: Manning wants players to step up, to take responsibility. Execution matters as much as preparation.

The Stakes

Every game now carries more weight. The Championship is unforgiving: a poor run can spiral quickly. For Manning, the transition from pre-season optimism to league survival mode would represent a significant failure of intent. The club’s hierarchy, supporters and players will expect measurable improvement soon.

Final Word

In saying his team is “shooting ourselves in the foot,” Manning didn’t just provide a soundbite — he articulated a truth. Good systems, possession stats and hopeful rhetoric are nothing without edge, purpose and accountability. Norwich can no longer afford to be “too nice.” This season demands more.

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