Norwich City: Angus Gunn interview on goalkeeping changes
It’s been a summer of change for the goalkeeping department at Norwich City – but Angus Gunn is confident they are well-placed to progress.
Long-serving shot-stoppers Michael McGovern and Tim Krul have both departed the club alongside goalkeeper coach Ed Wootten, who departed to reunite with ex-City boss Daniel Farke at Leeds United earlier this summer.
That has solidified Gunn’s position as number one whilst David Wagner recruited Paul Clements to succeed Wootten in his backroom team.
Gunn has since been crowned City’s number one – leapfrogging Krul in the process. The Dutch international ended a five-year association with the Canaries last week to join Premier League side Luton Town.
City’s keeper enjoyed a competitive rivalry with Krul since returning to City on a permanent basis in 2021. He paid tribute to the 35-year-old for his outstanding contribution at the club.
“I knew it would be difficult to come in and play straight away. Working with him everyday was great,” Gunn told the Pink Un.
“He was an unbelievable part of the promotions to the Premier League and then those seasons as well – he played his part.
“Over the last couple of years, there has been that battle to get that number one shirt but throughout that, we’ve never fallen out. That isn’t easy.
“The one that isn’t playing is always emotionally disappointed and probably not in the best head space they could be. But we’ve always gone into training with the right attitude and mentality, having that relationship where it isn’t up to us but it’s the manager’s decision was really good for us.
“I can only say kind words about Tim and what he brought to the dressing room. He’ll be sorely missed around the whole training ground and the club – the stuff he did with the community was special.
“As a Norwich guy myself, that’s something I don’t look at too much but from someone from the outside and taking it all in, that shows what kind of guy he is.”
Paul Clements succeeded Ed Wootten as Norwich City’s goalkeeping coach. (Image: Adam Harvey/Newsquest)
“He is improving a lot of the younger goalkeepers that are coming up through the academy which I think is important.
“We work closely on analysis and reviewing games so we can improve. I’ve really enjoyed the change and I’m only going to benefit from it on the pitch.”
Clements, who was previously at Huddersfield with Wagner, has arrived at Carrow Road and offered a fresh pair of eyes on his games and the areas for improvement.
At 27, Gunn has been exposed to international football and is now searching for consistency to push his game to the next level.
Working with Clements has offered Gunn a new perspective and he opened up on the blueprint for individual progress this season.
“We’ve identified little bits that he thinks can take me to the next level,” Gunn said. “Trying to get those match-winning saves out of me, that’s something we have looked at.
“We have set the target to get into the team of the season as well. We’re setting long-term targets but going through the shorter-term stuff to try to reach it. Ultimately, the team reach our target of getting back to the Premier League.”
Gunn is now spearheading a goalkeeper department that consists of George Long, Jon McCracken and Vicente Reyes.
Krul’s absence has left a leadership void in their stable of keepers – Gunn is acutely aware of the extra responsibility that will inevitably fall on his shoulders after his exit from the club.
“It’s something that I’ve spoken to the manager and the goalkeeper coach about
“From my point of view, I want to keep being myself,” Gunn said. “I feel I am a pretty good leader on the pitch.
Off the pitch, I like to integrate with all the lads anyway. I won’t be changing who I am in general but at the age I am and the position I’m in at the club, I know I have a bit more responsibility on my shoulders.
“It’s definitely something I’ve thought about and I’m ready for it.”
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