David Wagner agrees with new sporting director Ben Knapper that the average age of Norwich City's squad needs to be reduced - despite helping lead a summer recruitment drive centred around experience.
City fielded the oldest starting XI in the Championship during their 1-0 victory over QPR last weekend at 30.3 - with only three players featuring under the age of 30.
Wagner has favoured experience in his selections this season but it hasn't had the desired impact on their Championship campaign to date.
Knapper spoke directly and openly about his desire to lower the age of City's squad - but conceded that may be easier said than done in the short term.
"Yes, I think this is quite obvious that we would like to reduce the age average of the squad. But you have to have the possibility to do so," City's head coach said.
"This means the contracts have to run down or you have to find solutions like get offers for them as well. This is one of the ideas which we have for the future. I think this is not a secret.
"You always like to have individuals in the squad, I think we have some, but you always like to have more. This is the nature of the game."
City added seven players to their squad who are 30 or above in their summer window after Wagner spoke of the importance of adding intangible qualities at the end of last season.
That saw the likes of Ashley Barnes, Shane Duffy and Adam Forshaw join the club - with Norwich's squad now possessing 11 players over the age of 30. Seven of those are contracted to the club beyond the end of this season.
Wagner is in agreement with Knapper that the average age of the squad needs to be reduced but defended their transfer activity in the summer.
"I think you have to see every signing in detail," Wagner said. "Obviously, some of the signings that we had to do quite late because we had to react and you have to make the best decision that is available for you.
"In general, I know what we've done and why we've done it. We have known what we wanted to add and we always said that experience doesn't automatically mean that the player is super old.
"You have to be flexible in your squad - this is what we like to be and will be for sure as well."
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