Norwich City: Kenny McLean calls for patience over attacking approach

Kenny McLean has pleaded for patience as Norwich City attempt to find an attacking consistency this season.

The Canaries netted four goals and looked a constant threat during Saturday’s epic draw with Southampton at St Mary’s.

After concerns over creativity throughout pre-season, City’s explosive start to the season – netting six goals in two matches – has shown a significant uptick in offensive productivity.

Tightening up at the other end and eliminating individual errors will be the priority for Wagner and his coaches in the weeks ahead.

McLean anticipates that their style of play, designed to invite opponents onto them in order to leave spaces to exploit, will cause frustration to supporters throughout this season but explained why that approach is being adopted.

“There’s a lot more excitement going forward. Our progression with the ball up the pitch was good and could have been better today.

“You can see that we’re trying to progress the ball up the pitch and sometimes that’s a bit frustrating with fans because we will take our time and try to draw teams out.

“It can be frustrating, and we get that, but we think that is the best way to get us in the right areas of the pitch.

“When we do get into the final third, we do look very exciting. Four goals today, five I’m hearing because it wasn’t offside. That’s the difference (compared to last season) – we’re finding that bit of quality.”

Norwich remain unbeaten after their two opening matches in the Championship and have taken four points.

Both David Wagner and Kenny McLean were in agreement that there is plenty of improvement to come from the side – but both feel strides are being taken in the right direction.

McLean, who has been handed the armband in Grant Hanley’s absence, feels their performances are showcasing progress.

“They’ve been a couple of tough games and they all will be, to be fair. This is one of the toughest tests we’ll have this season, coming to Southampton away, and we’ve got a point.

“We’re relatively disappointed with it, and I think that shows where we are at – we know there is more to come.

“We’ll look at the goals and the chances back. We are always looking to improve. We’ll work on it in the week and try to improve on it next week.”