AliousNorwich Wielding the Axe as Elland Road Humiliation Signals End of Wagner Era
David Wagner is set to be dismissed as Norwich City manager following the club’s deflating 4-0 playoff semi-final defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road. The humbling loss has prompted the Canaries’ new sporting director Ben Knapper to seek a fresh direction on the touchline ahead of another promotion push next season.
Despite Wagner initially steadying the ship after replacing Dean Smith in January 2023 and guiding Norwich to a sixth-placed finish, the German’s tenure at Carrow Road now appears to be nearing its conclusion after just 75 games.
With supporters growing restless during a difficult first half of the campaign, the manner of Thursday’s capitulation in West Yorkshire proved the final straw for the Norwich hierarchy. Wagner had been under mounting pressure prior to a mid-season resurgence.
However, the crushing nature of the playoff defeat has reportedly seen Knapper lose faith in Wagner’s ability to lead the promotion charge going forward. Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has already been linked with the potential vacancy, though he is understood to have no interest currently.
In the aftermath of the Elland Road embarrassment, Wagner acknowledged candid discussions over his future were inevitable, admitting Norwich simply weren’t competitive enough against Leeds’ superiority.
The ruthless decision to part ways highlights the boardroom’s lofty ambitions and desire to return to the Premier League at the earliest opportunity under new leadership.
With Wagner’s departure appearing a formality, all eyes now turn to the identity of his successor as a significant summer of changes awaits the Canaries in their pursuit of an immediate promotion return.
Alious
