Norwich City: David Wagner attends fans forum at Carrow Road

Attending events like Thursday night's Norwich City Fans Social Club have become a crucial part of his remit in the weeks since succeeding Dean Smith as head coach. 

It was an accusation levelled constantly at his predecessor that he failed to fully understand the DNA of the club or demands of the supporters. Wagner has sought to make inroads in that area. 

In front of 200 people, Wagner joined Canaries legend Darren Eadie on stage and spoke about his playing career which came largely in the wilderness of Bundesliga Two and lower. 

Wagner, by his own admission, possessed pace but lacked stamina but he felt that love for the game also fuelled a desire to accrue more knowledge during his time as a player at Darmstadt, Weinheim and Glutersloh. 

But, by the time retirement came around, Wagner had grown tired of existing in a footballing bubble that refused to provide autonomy. He quit the game altogether and opted to study sports science and biology at university in order to provide security for his wife and two young daughters. 

His route back into the game arrived at Hoffenheim U19s, who were viewed as a progressive and innovative club. 

Those formative years, famously including a successful spell as Borussia Dortmund II coach working alongside best mate Jurgen Klopp, formed a development path that made him highly sought after. 

Klopp and Wagner still hold a counsel every week to chat all things football and life. It is the Liverpool boss that the German turns to for advice or help whether on an issue in his role at Norwich or outside of work. 

David Wagner is seeking connection at Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

In the more light-hearted moments, Wagner gave a blunt but humourous view of VAR and the standard of Championship officiating. 

He also revealed that he enjoys the pub culture in the United Kingdom and often heads down to his local for a pint and to watch a game on the television. Given he is alone in the Fine City, any sense of interaction is much welcomed as he acclimatises to life in Norfolk. 

The 200 in the room were offered a unique peak behind the curtain. For Wagner, it was yet more proof of his mission to embed himself in his new surroundings and be visible in the community of the club. 

Norwich were hoping that the force of Wagner's personality would help drag the club forward and bring people together, on and off the pitch. The impact was instant but some wind left the sails before the international break.

There have been early signs that the tide is turning on that front and City's boss taking a chunk out of his time to openly engage with supporters on his plans, ideas and opinions that will shape the club in the here and now but also moving forwards is undoubtedly positive. 

Unlike his predecessor, Wagner does hold a stage presence and is able to succinctly get messages across in this type of setting. 

Underpinning his operation is a desire to be led by process. That clarity has been warmly received by those inside the camp and those supporters who often felt they were outsiders looking into what Smith was trying to achieve. 

David Wagner has had a largely positive impact since arriving in Norfolk. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Wagner is attempting to rewrite that narrative - it was a factor that saw Stuart Webber turn to him after relieving Smith of his duties. 

Like anything in football, Wagner will ultimately be judged on results in the long-term, even if most supporters are savvy enough to witness the hand he has been dealt in trying to get this group of players into the top six. 

He may still succeed in his quest, even if the roadmap to the play-offs feels far-fetched when based solely on feeling. 

But if this night proved anything, it's that Wagner is one of life's optimists; whilst there is a chance of Norwich fulfilling their aspirations, he will put everything into ensuring it is achieved.