Anis Slimane determined to take his second chance at City

The midfielder joined the Canaries late in the summer window on a loan-to-buy deal from Championship rivals Sheffield United after making his desire to reunite with Johannes Hoff Thorup clear to his parent club. 

Slimane impressed on his debut in City's first Championship win at Coventry but has since been sidelined for the last two matches with a muscular injury. 

That setback has followed a frustrating pattern for him since swapping Brondby for Sheffield United and a crack at the Premier League last summer, but despite the adversity, Slimane feels he is a better player for the challenges he's faced since moving from Denmark. 

"It has been a hard time in England, but also exciting and educational. I took a huge step to the Premier League and everyone knows the Premier League and knows how tough and strong a league it is," he told Danish outlet Tipsbladet. 

"It has been a huge, huge experience to have the opportunity to try myself in that league, but conversely, it has also been hard. I knew that when I made the decision.

"Moving abroad has been hard, although, of course, I know the language. The culture is different, and the game is played in a different way than I have been used to, but it has been fine.

"It has not been harder than I had expected - I was prepared for the worst, but I have taken everything with a smile and raised my head."

Injuries played a part in his difficulty gaining a foothold in Sheffield United's team, leaving him searching for a new opportunity earlier in the summer. Prior to his loan move to Carrow Road, Slimane started just five games for the Blades in all competitions and often found himself playing out of position. 

Chris Wilder made no secret of his belief that the Tunisian international wasn't effective enough as number eight, something Thorup disagrees with having helped with the swoop for the 23-year-old. 

After a late move to Carrow Road, Copenhagen-born Slimane is confident the Danish influence at Norwich will make his loan posting successful.

"I was unhappy with both the position and playing time at Sheffield United, and then Norwich came on the field. I know Johannes and the way he wants to play, and of course he also knows me, so it's been a good match and it feels right. Johannes really wanted me, but I also wanted it madly the other way around. It's just a really good match.

Anis Ben Slimane made a positive impact in Norwich City's win over Coventry. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) "I've settled in really well. It was a hectic few weeks leading up to it, but it worked out, and already a day after I signed, I had to play a match. We got our first win, and of course that makes it easier to settle in. It has been a really cool few weeks.

"These are some really good guys and a good coaching staff. Of course, it helps that they are Danish-speaking coaches, but the rest of the staff has also been fantastic."

Slimane worked with Thorup during his teenage years at under-14 level with Akademisk Boldklub, and the City boss has kept tabs on his development ever since. 

The midfielder's move to England was a dream come true, and now he hopes to take his second chance in Norfolk. The early impressions have been positive, but Thorup has challenged him to show an ability to play consistently in the Championship. 

Slimane has joined the swelling Danish contingent at Colney after Thorup, assistant Glen Riddersholm and former team mate Oscar Schwartau moved to Norfolk this summer. Jacob Sorensen is also at the club. 

Glen Riddersholm is Johannes Hoff Throup's assistant head coach. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) "I only know him as 'Guld-Glen'," Slimane said on Riddersholm. "I have of course seen him on the sidelines when we have met his team, and I have always thought that he was a fun and fantastic character, but also a skilled coach who has accomplished a lot. I can learn a lot from him.

"When you sign in a place where there are already Danes, you know that you will be welcomed. Jacob "Lungi" Sorensen has been here for a long time, so he knows the city, the team and the club. Of course, it means something."