EFL pundit Don Goodman comments on Norwich City slump

The Canaries' head coach is coming under increasing pressure at Carrow Road, having entered another slump in form after one win in six Championship matches. 

Wagner had to bat away questions on his future at Wednesday's pre-Hull press conference, with fan sentiment increasingly turning against him. Norwich sit 13th in the Championship table, five points outside the top six. 

Goodman has identified Norwich's defence as the big Achilles heel for Wagner - who the ex-West Brom and Wolves man feels is entering a key period for his future at Carrow Road. 

“Defensively is the biggest issue. They've conceded 43 goals, which is unbelievable! When you look at the central defenders at the club, you'll find that they're all over 30. You've got Shane Duffy, Danny Batth, Ben Gibson and Grant Hanley. They're all 30+ and not overly mobile. It's an area of concern. 

 “The fact that the sporting director Stuart Webber, has left and been replaced by Ben Knapper has probably helped David Wagner a fraction. It's maybe given him a little bit more time.

“There's no doubt about it: the next four or five games are massive for David Wagner's Norwich City future," Goodman told Genting Casino. "They have to do better in the Championship."

Frustration is the overriding emotion among Norwich fans at present, at matters off the pitch as much as on it. 

Goodman thinks Norwich are in the midst of a transitional period at present, but hasn't completely written off their prospects of getting into the Championship's top six in spite of their struggles. 

“We've seen a different type of Norwich (compared to their previous teams). There's no doubt they have been a club in transition from the minute Daniel Farke left. They had Dean Smith and it's been difficult for David Wagner," he said.   

Norwich City fans are feeling frustration at present. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

 “But if you're Norwich City in the Championship, you have to be near the top. You have to be in the top six at the very least. They finished 13th in their first season back in the Championship after relegation. 

“However, for as bad as they have been and how much they've struggled, they're still only five points off the play-offs. It's a difficult situation. I look at their record against teams in the top-six, which is played seven and won none.

"Broadening it out to teams in the top-half, they've won three games out of 13. That might be an indicator of where Norwich City are at this moment in time.

"While they're still in contention (for the play-offs) and while they're still in with a shout, he'll probably maintain the support of the hierarchy."