Norwich City pundits and fans react to David Wagner’s sacking

Chris Reeve, 30, who co-hosts The Scrimmage podcast on BBC Radio Norfolk, said: “He (Wagner) is a good guy and he did his best but the writing was on the wall after the torrid period of winter when I would go so far as to say that the performances were pathetic.

“The way we lost to Leeds last night was unforgivable and unacceptable – you just can’t lose like that.

“I am very pleased that Norwich City’s board acted on this within 24 hours. It shows the right intention for next season.

“It’s still a bit early to talk about a new manager as the dust has to settle this season, but I’d like to see someone young and hungry, maybe new to management, to develop the youth team.”

Meanwhile, Simon Thomas, a Sky Sports TV presenter and Norwich City fan, posted on social media that David Wagner could not “live up to the potential” of his team.

Posting on X, he said he was pleased to see the club reacting quickly to avoid a “directionless summer”.

“(He’s) young, hungry, talented and would be brilliant for our younger players,” he said.

Former France international and Norwich player Cedric Anselin said: “It doesn’t shock me at all. I haven’t heard anything from the board to say they have contacted Wagner’s agent about a new contract.

“It was clear that his job was to take the team to the play-offs, but unfortunately with last night’s game we were outplayed and didn’t show any fight. We didn’t fight in any part of the game.

“I don’t have anyone in mind who can replace him, but people have talked about Carlos Cuesta (Arsenal assistant coach).

“We just need someone to bring the excitement back, bring the fans to Carrow Road (and) get them off their seats.”

Robin Sainty, chairman of supporters’ group Canary Trust, said he was not surprised by Wagner’s departure, adding it was “certainly not a knee-jerk reaction to the play-offs”.

“I think Ben Knapper (the club’s new sporting director) has clear ideas about how he wants the club to play and I don’t think David Wagner’s style of play suited him,” he said.

“It’s difficult to talk about individual managers, but in terms of style, Knapper said he wants Norwich to play attacking football and that’s what we need – a head coach to do that.

“Fans have had a tough time since Daniel Farke left; Dean Smith’s football was hard to watch and Wagner was extremely cautious.

“As long as they were going in the right direction with the right ethos, the fans will accept it.”