Canaries press on with fierce competition

Liam Manning explains Matej Jurasek's absence and outlines competition as Norwich City plan for the season.

Manning keeps Jurasek in the frame as the Canaries push a competitive season

Norwich City fell 2-1 at home to Millwall, and Matej Jurasek was left out of the starting lineup. Manning said there was no fitness issue behind the decision. Jurasek, who had minor hernia surgery at the start of the summer, has appeared for less than 90 minutes in the Championship since his big money January move. He did score in Manning’s first pre-season friendly against Northampton at Colney, after a running session on Carrow Road before kick-off.

Manning framed the squad as built on competition. He said the hardest part of his job is choosing the team, and that players must come in and prove themselves. He signalled that Norwich will trim the squad in the closing weeks of the transfer window. He added that the club are preparing for every option around Josh Sargent, who led the line and scored in the defeat, while they will back him if he stays but plan for all scenarios.

The manager shows a merit-based approach, betting on depth and pace to push players. This is a clear signal that minutes will be earned, not handed out by status. Jurasek’s case highlights the tension between potential and availability, a common challenge for young players stepping up from big-money moves.

The focus on competition also raises questions about long-term planning. Sargent’s ongoing role as stand-in captain could anchor a developing culture, but the transfer window keeps his future ambiguous. If Norwich cannot secure him, the team will need to stay flexible and keep building leadership from within.

Highlights

The coming weeks will test how far Manning believes this squad can go.