Slimane Urges Norwich to Maintain Focus Amidst Poor Form

Anis Ben Slimane, a midfielder for Norwich City, who joined the club on loan from Sheffield United with an option for a permanent transfer, stated that the Championship team needs to prevent lapses in concentration during matches to reverse their recent poor performance. This recent decline includes a 2-1 loss to Sunderland on Saturday, marking their third defeat in their last four fixtures. Their sole point during this period was secured in a goalless draw against Portsmouth. This unexpected slump comes after consecutive victories last month against Plymouth Argyle and Luton Town, where the team netted a total of 10 goals. Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk, Slimane emphasized, “We really need to be switched on [in] every single situation and every single second on the pitch.” The player, on loan from Sheffield United, netted his second goal for Norwich in the 21st minute, giving them an early lead against the Wearsiders. However, Jose Cordoba received a red card in the second half. Similar to their prior match against Burnley, Norwich was unable to prevent their adversaries from recovering to claim victory, despite Ashley Barnes nearly salvaging a point by striking the post. Slimane commented on the match, stating, “First half we were really good, everyone put in the hard work from the first minute and went into half-time with a 1-0 lead. Second half, even before the red card, we were not there with the same energy.” He continued, “After the red card, it’s of course more difficult but we did better with the 10 men. We created the big chance for Barnes, which unfortunately didn’t go in. It’s really frustrating.” He further explained the team’s challenge: “We know with this league how hard it is, you can be in front 1-0 but if you switch off the opponent can score two goals and that’s what happened last week and that’s what happened again.” Johannes Hoff Thorup’s team currently occupies 13th position in the Championship standings, trailing the play-off spots by nine points. Moreover, they might enter their Boxing Day home fixture against Millwall with three players – Cordoba, Kenny McLean, and Angus Gunn – suspended. The decision regarding goalkeeper Gunn’s misconduct charge is still pending. Slimane asserted, “I don’t think we have a discipline issue, the discipline and mentality is right, and it’s the mentality of winning – everyone wants to win.” He added, “When we’re not winning it causes some frustration, but we need to stick together, stick to the plan we’ve got, and hopefully we’ll get the three points next time.” He concluded by saying, “Every day feels like an opportunity. This league is so busy we just need to look forward and keep going.” He further stated: “There’s a plan and a style of play but this way of playing takes time and we work every single day to improve that and it’s going in the right direction, we just need results.”