Norwich City announce David Wagner as new head coach
He replaces Dean Smith who was sacked last week
Last updated 6th Jan 2023
Norwich City have announced David Wagner as their new manager.
He has signed a 12-month rolling contract with the Canaries.
The German-born coach, who previously managed Huddersfield, replaces Dean Smith, who was fired last week (27th Dec) following a poor run of form.
The club sits eleventh in the Championship, following a 1-0 defeat to Watford on Monday.
They've won just one of their last six league games.
His first Championship game as head coach will take place a week later, when Norwich face Preston North End at Deepdale.
He'll be joined at Carrow Road by assistant head coach, Christoph Bühler, and Andrew Hughes, who will take up the position of first team coach.
“This is a new challenge for us all"
The 51 year old German said in a statement:
“This is a very special and proud moment for me. To be here, back in England, as the head coach of Norwich City is a huge honour.
“I’ve very pleased with what I have seen so far. The facilities at the Lotus Training Centre are top class. We now have to look forward and work extremely hard.
“This is a new challenge for us all. Will it be easy? No. We have to leave what has happened in the past behind. If we want success, we have to be together. Together as a group of players, backroom staff and supporters.”
"He quickly became the outstanding candidate"
Sporting director Stuart Webber also said:
“We’re delighted that David and his staff have agreed to join the club.
“After speaking with David, who is someone I’ve known for a long time, he quickly became the outstanding candidate.
"His knowledge of our squad, vision, idea around football and working style is something that clearly aligns with our short, medium and long-term goals.
“We know we need to get to work and produce some positive performances. As always, results will follow if the performances are there.
“We’d all like to welcome David and his staff to the club, in what I’m sure will be a successful period for Norwich City.
“We’d also like to thank the Football Association for their prompt assistance in providing the relevant Governing Body Endorsements, and to the Home Office for processing the work permits so efficiently.”
Wagner's managerial history
From 2011 to 2015, he managed Borussia Dortmund II - a reserve team for Borussia Dortmund, who play in Germany.
In November 2015, he became manager at Huddersfield Town, leading the club to the Premier League via the 2017 EFL Championship play-off Final - this is similar to Norwich City's aim, to re-enter the Premier League. They were relegated last season.
During this time he worked with Norwich City's current sporting director, Stuart Webber, who was 'The Terriers' Director of Football between 2015 and 2017.
Wagner left Huddersfield in January 2019, and then had brief spells at Bundesliga club Schalke and Swiss Super League club Young Boys.
What happens now?
Wagner and his backroom staff will now begin work at the Lotus Training Centre ahead of the weekend’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers at Carrow Road.
The new manager will host his first press conference at a later date.