Johannes Hoff Thorup chirpy after Canaries get their first win of the season

Posted Saturday, August 31, 2024 by PA

Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup was relieved to get his first Sky Bet Championship win since becoming manager, as his side secured a 1-0 victory at Coventry.

The Canaries won it four minutes into the second half when Borja Sainz’s shot took a heavy deflection off Joel Latibeaudiere and beat helpless Sky Blues goalkeeper Oliver Dovin.

After the opening day defeat to Oxford, followed by home draws against Blackburn and Sheffield United, Norwich came into the game following a frustrating start to the season.

However they largely dominated this contest at the Coventry Building Society Arena and the controlled performance yielded Thorup his first league victory after arriving from Danish side Nordsjaelland earlier this summer.

“It’s something you wish can happen in the first game you play, but that was not the case and we had to wait a little while,” said the 35-year-old.

“What I’m most satisfied about is the attitude and the mentality of the team, we controlled the game – they had chances, but the mindset we played this game with, I am really pleased about.

“The defensive job was outstanding. If you only have a one-goal lead towards the end there will be some moments when you have to support each other and defend with everything you have.

“There’s a good spirit in the group and there’s a positivity around what we’re doing. I’d like to say full support to the players because they’ve been terrific so far and they really buy into what we are trying to build here.

“I think especially what we saw at the start of the second half today was a big step in the right direction.”

Coventry manager Mark Robins was left frustrated with the performance from his Sky Blues, feeling they were outperformed by the visitors.

A closely-fought first half saw Ellis Simms squander a couple of good chances, although after the break Norwich took a grip of the contest. After Sainz’s strike, Coventry struggled to match their opponents.

“Very disappointing,” said Robins. “You’ve got to match the opponent for their work-rate before you earn the right to play any football.

“First half there was very little in it, we probably had the better chances and looked like we could go toe to toe with them and go on and beat them.

“In the second half we got really disjointed, we stopped running and found it difficult to pick people up. The first rule in football, you’ve got to stay with your runners.

“There was a disconnect between the players in areas, so we’ve got plenty of work to do on that.”